Filtration setup for larger tank

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

meiling

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Nov 7, 2005
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I keep arowanas and within the next year will but upgrading to a 200-300 gallon tank, closer to 300. I'm used to the simple filtration for a 55. I don't have a lot of knowledge in this area, so the question I have is, if I had that size tank, what would you choose for filtration, air, currents, what would each of you consider a good way to startup. I want the best I can afford, within reason and enough power to filter up to 300 gallons . I don't want to have to go out and buy new stuff later, this upcoming tank event will hopefully hold for a while. Thanks.
 
IMO, a large wet-dry, or a bead filter made for ponds. Either would do a nice job, offering a ton of biofilteration. A wet-dry could be diy, saving a lot of cash. The ease of maintenance of the bead filter, being able to backwash, makes those really nice. You could turn over as much water as you needed to with either one. With 1 1/2" or 2" bulkheads on your over flows and a big pump, a wet-dry can turn over some serious gph. And bead filter systems can turn over 30, 90 or even more gals. per minute. Another thing to think about on large systems, combining heavy duty filtration with continuous drip water changing, and under gravel jets to keep waste in the water column , ( so it can be removed by filtration) it is possible to go for long periods of time without doing water changes. This helps to keep the parameters more stable.
 
hillbilly said:
IMO, a large wet-dry, or a bead filter made for ponds. Either would do a nice job, offering a ton of biofilteration. A wet-dry could be diy, saving a lot of cash. The ease of maintenance of the bead filter, being able to backwash, makes those really nice. You could turn over as much water as you needed to with either one. With 1 1/2" or 2" bulkheads on your over flows and a big pump, a wet-dry can turn over some serious gph. And bead filter systems can turn over 30, 90 or even more gals. per minute. Another thing to think about on large systems, combining heavy duty filtration with continuous drip water changing, and under gravel jets to keep waste in the water column , ( so it can be removed by filtration) it is possible to go for long periods of time without doing water changes. This helps to keep the parameters more stable.
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That pretty much says it. I prefer a couple of filters just in case. I would go with a wet-dry and add something like a canister, or hide a couple of sponge filters in the back.
 
I use wet/dry filters on all of my big tanks. I wouldnt have it any other way.
 
2-3 eheim pro 3's or 2-3 fluval fx 5's and a good sized powerhead will be real nice, not to mention that you can alternate cleanings of the cannisters to save bio and if one breaks you will be fine cuz 2 others are runnig still if you get 3.

I also really like the xp3's......I run 2 xp3's and 1 eheim 2028, along with a seio 620 powerhead and an 18'' bubblewand on my 125gal.........:)
 
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