Need Help On Filter Setup for a 90g

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J

joxer

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 17, 2007
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Virginia
I will be getting a 90g with in the next 45 days. I need some help on what type of filter system for this tank.

I currently only have a 30g with an Emperor 280 on it. All of my LFS reccomed me running a canister filter system but I have no clue how to set one up:irked:. Would I have to have wholes drilled into the tank? Would I then need a power head in order to keep the water moving with a canister? Is their a nise HOB filter that would work for a 90g?
 
Drilling a tank is used for sump and wet/dry system. A canister requires no drilling and setup can take up to 1-2 hrs if you've never setup a canister before. A canister can be messy when doing maintaince so be sure to take your time and lot of patience when disconnecting the hose for maintaince. You could run a canister with your Emp 280. This should be adequate if you do not overstock.
 
Well depending on your stocking levels

You could go with a pair of emp400s or a XP3 cannister and a AC110. Best bet is to setup so that you can clean your mechanical filtration on a weekly basis(this will help keep nitrate levels lower). HOBs work best for mech filtration, because they are much easier to clean the cannisters. I would not use a cannister for mech, only biofiltration.
 
Let me clear up a little better. I will still keep my 30g running along with my new 90g. I really love the Emperor system's but buying the replacement filters starts costing a little bit of $$$ if I was to run 2 400's and a 280 on my 30g.

I'm looking for something to use on the 90g so I don't have to spend a tone on filter over the year. So what you are telling me is I SHOULD run a canister and a HOB filter for my 90g? instead of 2 HOB filters?
 
All depends on personal preference, The two emp 400s would filter your tank well, there is also a replacement cartridge called a "super cartridge" that you can buy and use over and over again. Personally I would run a rena xp3 and a Aquaclear 110.

You can set up the xp3 strictly for biofiltration and the AC110 will work great for mechanical filtration. I set up my xp3 with fluval prefilter ceramic rings, followed by 2 coarse sponges and the 2 medium sponges with the rest of the filter filled with biomax, Seachems Matrix and ehfisubstrat. Keep it intake tube at mid water and you will likely only have to service every 2-3 months. With the AC110 I pull the sponge and rinse with hot tap water once a week, this does an excellent job of removing particle debries before they break down. By doing this you will increase your water quality by keeping nitrate levels lower. Also keep the intake of the AC110 as low as you can(unless you have sand).

Again this is my preference that works well. I run this on my 120g and similar on my heavily stocked 180g(two AC110s on the 180). Water is always clean and clear in both tanks.
 
Build a sump, it's your best option. You won't need to drill the tank. Do a search in the DIY, and you'll find what you need. You could also run an EMP 400 or an AC110 if you want for extra filtration.
 
joxer;1297691; said:
Where can somebody buy these "super cartridge" for the Emperor? I have not been able to find them
Click to expand...

If you PM wolf3101, he can let you know where to buy them. Or you can search his threads and blogs, he has recommended them numerous times.
 
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