75g Filter question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
D

Decon1

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 3, 2009
8
0
0
New Jersey
I'm looking for opinions, suggestions...what have you.

I have a 75 gallon tank that I'm looking to use for African Cichlids. Silica Sand substrate, no live plants, and a healthy amount of fish (over time).

What filtration would you recommend?

I'm debating buying an AC110 (will that alone be enough?).
Or spending a little bit more and getting a canister filter.

I've been looking at the Rena FilStar xP3 or Eheim Classic 2217. I would love to get a Fluval FX5, but they're just a bit out of my price range.
Any thoughts on these two canisters? I believe the Rena has a higher GPH flow rate, but is it a better quality filter? Would one of these canisters be enough, or should I use it in combination with an HOB? (I have an Emperor 280 handy).

I'm just looking for the simplest solution, without too muss or fuss in maintenance.

Thanks in advance!
 
on my 75 gallon with 5 rbp i have a magnum 350 and a penguin bio wheel 350 and my water parameters are always good
 
An emperor 280 and an ac110 or rena xp3 would be good. All this depends on your planned stocking though.
 
I always run mine with 2 AC 110s, but depending on the fish load you could get away with 1. I have one on a 90 and three on another 90 and one on a 75 right now and one with an xP3 running my 210 currently.

I would NOT recommend an AC 110 if you are using a sand substrate. The impeller on them will get scored and make lots of noise if it ever sucks sand.
 
nolapete;2867948; said:
I always run mine with 2 AC 110s, but depending on the fish load you could get away with 1. I have one on a 90 and three on another 90 and one on a 75 right now and one with an xP3 running my 210 currently.

I would NOT recommend an AC 110 if you are using a sand substrate. The impeller on them will get scored and make lots of noise if it ever sucks sand.
Click to expand...

I have pool filter sand and it is heavy enough that it doesnt get sucked into my ac110's, it also helps to have sponge prefilters on them to prevent sand from getting in there.
 
nolapete;2867948; said:
...I would NOT recommend an AC 110 if you are using a sand substrate. The impeller on them will get scored and make lots of noise if it ever sucks sand.
Click to expand...

Oh wow, good point!

I'm pricing some right now, and found an EHEIM Classic External Canister 2217 for a pretty decent price. Does anyone have any experience with these? Would this alone be ok? So many options!

As far as my stock, I'm thinking 10+ Malawi's. I hear overstocking is better.
 
Decon1;2867972; said:
Oh wow, good point!

I'm pricing some right now, and found an EHEIM Classic External Canister 2217 for a pretty decent price. Does anyone have any experience with these? Would this alone be ok? So many options!

As far as my stock, I'm thinking 10+ Malawi's. I hear overstocking is better.
Click to expand...
The classic eheims are great bio filters and mechanical polishers. My main issue is they do not have high flow. So it helps to have a mechanical filter with high turnover and use the eheim for water polishing and supplemental mechanical filtration. I got a eheim 2215. The flow is not great but they come packed with substrate pro and a spray bar and all the goodies to get it running and are a tremendous low maintenance buy. :headbang2
 
Hmmm...now I may be leaning towards the XP3 because of the higher flow. I'm a complete n00b when it comes to canisters. So your comments really help!

Do the canisters come with everything I'll need? or do I have to buy attachments?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom