Filtration for Cichlid 75G

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

mrfuzz

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 31, 2008
206
0
0
Florida
Hi,

So, its that time where I need to get filtration for my new 75 gallon. I am going back and forth of what to do.

Initially, I was planning on doing the following:

one(1) AC110 Filter - Using sponge(2), some bio max(OR purigen) & a filter pad.

one(1) FLUVAL 305 - Using sponges, bio max, Crushed coral, & QUILT PADDING.


OR

Should I just pick-up ONE(1) FLUVAL FX5???


I figure, With the Canister & the AC110, I will of course have redundancy of cleaning - can clean one filter one month and next the other. Furthermore.

Also with both it should be turning about 9 times per hour on the 75.

Whereas, the FX5 would be turning the 75G over about 8 times an hour.
 
I would just do the fx5 then you only have one filter to worry about and if you upgrade you can still use it and maybe add another ac110. I always try to over filtrate since i will probably upgrade.
 
How much money do you want to spend? IMO a AC110 and a sponge filter with air pump would be fine on a 75 with reasonable stocking. How many fish are you going to keep?

I agree with the post about going big from the jump so you are ready for upgrades, but how likely is it you will get a bigger tank?

I know they get a bad rap on here, but I still use undergravel filters along with canisters and HOB. I know a breeder that uses them exclusively. His 125 and 150 look great and his water parameters are perfect...all from undergravel and powerheads.
 
Sounds like overkill. It wont hurt anything but an FX5 on a 75gal is a little overboard. If your plan is to overstock or have exceptional water quality, I would do a 55gal sump underneath filled with sponges, filter pads, and bio material. This will hold at least equal bio material as an FX5 plus gives you more water overall than a FX5. Both options are beyond capable for what you need them too. I prefer sumps over canisters personally. If you plan to upgrade, Get the fx5. Ac110 are exceptional hob filters, but fx5's are beasts made for large tanks.
 
Thanks guys.

Ive posted awhile ago under the Cichlid side of the forum. Im going to be stocking a 'community Tanganyikian'.

3 calvus
6+ cyp lep. Unita's.
6+ shellies.
2-3 L. Caudopunctatus

Im pretty firm on that stock list - although it may change.

Ive used many Aqua clears in the past. I have a 38 Gallon planted bow in the living room of the condo. With an AC70.

I was leaning towards having a canister so I can use an in-line heater. As the tank WILL have a 3D background.

Tank will be in my office / computer room as my personal display tank. So yes, I would like superb water =)

in the sometime near future - 2 years when I move into a regular house. I plan on upgrading to a 125 gallon tank. TO either upgrade the Tanganyika' to that tank, or to start a Tropheus setup.



 
Oh not to forget, the cost of the FX5 would pretty much be equal to both Fluval 305 and a AC110. I get alot of items off Ebay - buy them NIB with free shipping. typically shaves 20-30$ off cost. Unless LFS gets some new specials.
 
rawr! I always over think things =) .. Also doesnt help that there is no real hurt in over filtration.

Who will agree:

AC110 w. two(2) sponges + biomax
&&
Fluval 305 w/... Bio Max or eheim Substrate + Crushed coral + Foam & Quilt Badding.... Should be golden
 
I've got a pair of AC110s on my 75 and it keeps things nice and clean
 
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