Best filter for a 240 FW?

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

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 4, 2009
243
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Colorado
I'm upgrading my 75 gallon which contains one 6" JD, one 6" Green Terror, one 5" Firemouth, two 4" Clown Loaches, one 5" Striped Raphael Catfish, one 14" Peacock Eel, and (the reason for the upgrade) one 14" Yellow Tail Arowana to a 240 gallon. Right now I have two HOB filters and small Fluval 2, which together do a great job in the 75 gallon tank. In changing to a larger tank, I understand that I probably need to go to a canister, wet/dry or something else to handle the larger capacity. To be honest, the wet/dry or sump systems seem somewhat complicated. Are the easier to understand than I think, or do they take some know how? Can I efficently filter this tank with a canister filter, say a Fluval FX5? I only lean towards this because it appears easier. Or do I just need to figure out how a wet/dry or sump system work?
If it helps, I need to custom build the stand, which I can do to accomodate any filter that's chosen. Thanks for the help.
 
Welcome to MFK. Good to see another Coloradian here. The wet/dry sumps are really not that complicated and would be the best filter for your tank.
 
:iagree:
 
A sump and/or wet/dry is definitely an option. They can be a bit tricky to figure out but aren't overly complicated. I do suggest you read as much as possible on the topic before putting your first one together though. Also know that few people "get it right" the first time. That is not to say your first one will "fail", but you'll probably make many minor adjustments over time.

A large canister, or a couple of them, is an option also...

You could also line the back with HOBs if you wanted...

You have many options... I suggest you consider them all...
 
I'm not against trying a wet/dry system, but does anyone happen to know of (and have tried) a DIY web site, or post? I've looked around some, and would like the easiest to follow, FOR DUMMIES version.
The tank I bought came with the plates and lift tubes for an undergravel filter, which I'm learning that I could just reverse the flow of, to avoid the settling of detritus and debris on the floor. If the reverse flow helps lift items off the bottom, and then the filtering of the wet/dry cleans the water, this should be effective for this size tank correct?
 
Okay...final question; Better to get the Fluval FX5 (607 gal/per hour for tanks up to 400 gallons) or try my first attempt at a wet / dry sump system? Again I have an undergravel filter for this, which I'm thinking I could reverse to keep detritus off the bottom. Which do yuo think is a better choice for this tank & fish combonation?
 
I say go for the fx5. Simple and easy since you really don't know about sumps yet. Take the time to learn about them, build yourself a good diy one, and throw it on alongside the fluval..

Any particular reason your running the undergravel filter? I've always just been opposed to them in larger tanks with good filters..
 
A Wet Dry is great for "Biological Filtration"...

While it is possible to make a Sump that offers adequate mechanical filtration, very few people get creative enough with the intakes/overflow to make it as such...

If you do chose to set up your Sump's intake to offer Mechanical Filtration, I highly suggest you have thorough mechanical media prior to the Bio Media. Fish waste can clog the pores which are the sole value of Bio Media.

Be sure to do your homework before you rely on Reverse Under Gravel Filtration. It is quite difficult to get a consistent flow out of them and the larger the tank / plates are the more difficult it is.

Large canisters are great, but keep in mind physical waste in the filter stil contributes to biological pollution just as much as it does in the tank. Therefore if you use your canister as a mechanical filter, you should not follow the mindset that it's okay to clean the filter only once every couple of months. And canisters take a good bit of time / effort to clean each time.

You have a lot of options... and every single one has both pros and cons... you'll have to decide which pros are worth the most to you and which cons your willing to tolerate...
 
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