I want to get either a 75, 100, or 125 gallon tank, I haven't decided yet, but I do not have the experience to have a large tank like these yet (the biggest tank I have is a 55), so I am asking for opinions on the best filtration to have in these size tanks........I have read that canisters are pretty good, but having a sump is a good way to go as well. I would like some feedback on this if there is anyone willing to share their experiences with me, I would appreciate it!
Best way to filter a 75, 100, or 125g tanks
- Thread starter RDW
- Start date
well...if canisters and sumps are good...why not get them both! lol. You make a DIY sump cheaply, but a canister you should probably buy. Whatever appeals to you , but i would go biological AND "normal" filteration.
BTW, nice list of fish you've got! I love JDs and oscars 8)
BTW, nice list of fish you've got! I love JDs and oscars 8)
different filtration systems all have their own advantages and disadvantages. for me, it depends on personal choice. just make sure you don't underfiltrate. personally, i go for turnover rate of at least 4. i also prefer sumps for aesthetic and efficiency reasons.
The best is what works best for you and fits into your life. Read aquarium filtration 101 for options but ANY system thats been set up properly will give you great results.
The short and sweet is....
HOB's .... cheep and simple to set up but require the highest maintaince of all. Usually require additional bio-filtration for the long run.
Cannisters..... Higher initial investment but run longer between cleanings however are they much harder to servace when it is time to clean one.
Sump systems... both wet/dry and fully wet sumps offer low maintaince but are more complicated to set up and run safely. They are also great for hiding heaters and other equipment that would normally be in the aquarium. There ARE safety related problems with them so they require much more thaught and planning than other types of filtration.
Whats best?....to be perfectly honest...your fish wont care what you use and if you do your homework you wont see any real differance between any of the systems as far as water quality goes. BUT having more than ONE type of filter running is ALWAYS safer in case of equipment failure so a lot of us on MFK run combination systems.
The short and sweet is....
HOB's .... cheep and simple to set up but require the highest maintaince of all. Usually require additional bio-filtration for the long run.
Cannisters..... Higher initial investment but run longer between cleanings however are they much harder to servace when it is time to clean one.
Sump systems... both wet/dry and fully wet sumps offer low maintaince but are more complicated to set up and run safely. They are also great for hiding heaters and other equipment that would normally be in the aquarium. There ARE safety related problems with them so they require much more thaught and planning than other types of filtration.
Whats best?....to be perfectly honest...your fish wont care what you use and if you do your homework you wont see any real differance between any of the systems as far as water quality goes. BUT having more than ONE type of filter running is ALWAYS safer in case of equipment failure so a lot of us on MFK run combination systems.
I thank you for the input so far, they have helped me immensely for what I would like to do, and yes, I will definitely do my homework when I set this up. I do agree on more than one system for maintaining biological and mechanical filtration, so I just may do that on my 55, currently I have only one filtration setup. I am sure it will only improve the water quality if I try it on my 55 so I will give it a go. Thanks again!!
Yeah I went to a lfs and this place is a fantastic shop, if you are ever in the Memphis, TN area, I would recommend going. Anyway, I went there and the owner was telling me that a canister is one of the best ways for filtration. He has one set up on a 75 in the front of his store and he was telling me he set it up and doesn't change the media for like 6 months. Now, I don't think I would take it that far, but that tank was clean and clear as a whistle! What do you all think?
I run two Whisper 40-60's on my 100G. They are outside filters. It's better than spending more dollars on a canister filter than there is gallons in your tank.
Yeah, I have a Penn-Plax Cascade 300 outside filter on my 55, and it does well, but I think that I can get it looking alot cleaner either with another Cascade 300, or a canister or I have been thinking of making my own sump with a 20 gallon tank that I can get.