This isn't really about filters but you lucky folks with the 350, 500, to 1500 have allot of patience. Sometime when I'm reading threw the forum I think to myself it must be boring with all the post for smaller equipment? I mean no disrespect to anyone it's just it must be a whole different world with the equipment required etc just to run these large tanks even though the principal is the same. I mean I know what trickle filters are but things like heating, water changes, Pump systems? I've never seen whats required just to keep these running and I probably will never have this size but that dosn't mean I not interested?
Lucky Folks!!!
- Thread starter hawkerw
- Start date
Never say never. I went from a 55 to a 150 to a 210 to a 330 to a 600 in one year. I could always happen.
Wow!!! that would leave my head spinning??? I just wanted some input from you folks with the big units, I am fairly new and allot of the higher end equipment I don't completely understand.
when i got my 450 gallon tank, all i did was get a larger sump and invest in a good quality pump.This would ensure good turnover rates, i also made sure that the water in my setup had enough contact with the bio media during the filtration setup. Oh, i also plumbed my tank into a drain and run a return line directly into the tank, this way i dont have to do 300 bucket runs whenever i do a water change.Other than that, everything is pretty similar.
Just the natural progression of the hobby. We all started out small and eventually the passion drives you to monster sized tanks. And sometimes you ditch the monster tank and go back to smaller setups, like in my case 
I wouldn't count glass out until 300+. I see 240's quite a bit and 300's do pop-up every once in a blue moon on Craigslist.
I myself have a 345 glass, which apparently isn't all to common.
As far as your original question:
I'd have to say its not much different than taking care of my old 125. Really, not bad at all.
Of course it takes longer to clean and uses more water during water changes as well as costing more in electricity per month. Pair that up with the unavoidable initial added cost of larger filtration; be it sump, canister, etc. As well extra equipment like more/larger heaters, etc.
...but by the time you end up deciding to buy a 300+ you won't really care about the few dollars per month bill increase.
I myself have a 345 glass, which apparently isn't all to common.
As far as your original question:
I'd have to say its not much different than taking care of my old 125. Really, not bad at all.
Of course it takes longer to clean and uses more water during water changes as well as costing more in electricity per month. Pair that up with the unavoidable initial added cost of larger filtration; be it sump, canister, etc. As well extra equipment like more/larger heaters, etc.
...but by the time you end up deciding to buy a 300+ you won't really care about the few dollars per month bill increase.