a filter that keeps everyone happy

GBaker1130

Feeder Fish
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Sep 8, 2018
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so my parents recently bought a 75 gallon tank for me for my birthday. we just redid the floors and my mom is worried about 75 gallon being on her new floors. my dad doesn't want me using a canister filter because it may leak without us knowing for awhile and he suggests an undergravel. I was planning on having a sand tank because of the looks and I know that an undergravel wouldn't work. he is also opposed to HOB for some reason. the tank will probably have a couple messy fish in it and I was curious if anyone had any suggestions
 

kno4te

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Since you can’t have much without a scare for leaks. Then a undergravel filter will be fine. Keep up ur water changes and shouldn’t have to worry.

The other option is sponge filters but ur dad may not approve but can ask.
 

tlindsey

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Since you can’t have much without a scare for leaks. Then a undergravel filter will be fine. Keep up ur water changes and shouldn’t have to worry.

The other option is sponge filters but ur dad may not approve but can ask.
+1
 
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krichardson

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What kinds of fish do you intend to keep?
 
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FreshyFresh

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There is a risk of water on the floor regardless of the hardware. Even if you use check valves on air lines, situations can arise where they can siphon water out of the tank. Rare, but it can happen.

I would agree that the use of canister filters definitely increases the chances of leaks.

I would personally run 2 AquaClear 110 hang-on-backs. Chances of them leaking externally is about as rare as air tubing siphoning out water.
 

tlindsey

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There is a risk of water on the floor regardless of the hardware. Even if you use check valves on air lines, situations can arise where they can siphon water out of the tank. Rare, but it can happen.

I would agree that the use of canister filters definitely increases the chances of leaks.

I would personally run 2 AquaClear 110 hang-on-backs. Chances of them leaking externally is about as rare as air tubing siphoning out water.
I agree with you but it's out of G GBaker1130 control. His father is opposed to HOB filters.
 

skjl47

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May 16, 2011
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a undergravel filter will be fine. Keep up ur water changes and shouldn’t have to worry.
Hello; back a few decades ago all I had were UGF's (undergravel filters). I ran tanks with them for a decade or so before I started to use HOB's and other power filters. The early power filters were not reliable so I almost always had an UGF running.
Old school it may be but it still works. Glass is old school as well but we still use it because it still works.

A key is the regular water change (WC) which involves a gravel vac of some sort. Sponge filter also work.
 

islandguy11

Redtail Catfish
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Sep 17, 2017
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Ask your parents if an overhead trickle filter would be ok. I'm thinking to make a DIY version for a new 84" tank I have coming in. Arguably on the unsightly side, but I'm sure it could be at least partially covered or blocked by black future board or similar.

4ft-3level-cl-trickle.jpg
 
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Tarsun

Exodon
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Sep 26, 2018
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a sponge filter

the square corner filters that used to be in every fish store tank (my second vote)

Under gravel filter

power head with a mini can inside the tank (my vote)

a combination of the above...

you still have some "leak proof" options...

what about a can filter in a bucket to catch any leaks...?
 
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