Filtration question for new 75 gal. Setup...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Fjb6673

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 27, 2012
40
0
6
Western Mass
Hey everyone, I'm going to be setting up a new 75gal. Tank in the near future and have a 2 part filtration question......Part 1 - Fluval vs. Eheim canaster filters...is one much better than the other, or is it just personal preference? Part 2 - Size and type of filtration.

First, some info...I haven't decided exactly what fish I will be getting, but most likely 3-4 SA/CA cichlids (not oscars), small school of dither fish, and a pleco. No live plants, a couple of fake plants, plenty of rocks, caves, clay pot or 2, some type of driftwood, and an air stone, a pretty basic setup. And standard aquarium gravel, no sand.

As far as my questions, part 1 is pretty straightforward...Fluvel vs. Eheim canaster filters, pros, cons, and opinions.

Part 2 is size and setup. Biggest tank I've had is 38 gal. with HOB filter. I'm leaning toward canister filter for new 75 for both quality of filtration and ease of use. I have 3 setups in mind....1. just get a fluvel 406(up to 100gal) or Eheim Ecco 2236(up to 80gal)......2. Use a Fluvel 306(up to 70gal) or Eheim Ecco 2234(up to 60gal) along with my whisper 30/60 HOB...3. Use my whisper 30/60 HOB with the Fluvel 406 or Eheim 2236, the larger canisters.

I'm leaning toward option 3, because I like the thought of 2 types of filtration, and why not go with the larger canister. This seems like the answer to me, but I don't want to have overkill filtration if not needed.

Any and all comments, questions, and responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.
 
Eheim and Fluval are both good brands. Comes down to personal preferences. Get 2 AqiaClear 110s. More flow and easier to clean.
 
I'd skip over all of the smaller fuvals myself. Go straight to the FX5, I think they're about $240 brand new (Dr foster smith and Amazon). This option will allow you to make a future tank upgrade without having to change your filtration up to a certain degree.

Enheim canisters I'm sure are great filters as well but they're a little too costly for me so I'm only speaking through my experience with the FX5's.

If you're worried about the flow rate on such a large filter, you can always get rid of the stock fluval output and make your own spray bar from a few dollars worth of pvc from home depot.

I think in the long run this will allow you a longer time between filter cleanings as well as the knowledge that you should never be under filtered.
 
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