Midwest checking in... I plan on purchasing an FX-6 for filtration - separate from the Tank budget. I just wanted to make sure I get a good tank that'll last me a while. I got my current 75g from Petco, i'm slowly noticing the flaws after a few months.
Need Help Purchasing Next Aquarium
- Thread starter Blackdragon9
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Midwest checking in... I plan on purchasing an FX-6 for filtration - separate from the Tank budget. I just wanted to make sure I get a good tank that'll last me a while. I got my current 75g from Petco, i'm slowly noticing the flaws after a few months.
Realistically you're looking at at least 2 FX. Even better would be converting that 75 into a sump.
This +10. If you are trying to get something in the 300+ range a single canister just isn't enough. 2 Eheim 2262s would do it just at the limit imo. There are the cheap Chinese canisters that I can't remember the name of and 3 of the biggest version would be about the same price as one of the Eheims. Then again you still need the media/foam/floss to fill either one of those. My choice would be to turn that 75 into a sump but then it's plumbing/filter socks/media/pumps, while imo much better than the canisters, is still going to add up quickly. Alternatively you could look into corner matten filters which run on air, info on these are in a few threads on here and at Swiss Tropicals.
Heating is also quite often overlooked. Restocking either quantity or quality in a big tank because you used cheap heater/s that cooked your fish is hard to stomach. A quality controller plus a couple decent heaters can offer peace of mind.
I'm not trying to dissuade you, just trying to save you from the grief of improper planning causing headaches and further expense down the line. Plan it out, research everything that goes in a tank, then buy. I've made enough costly mistakes upgrading w/o proper planning. Your wallet will thank you later.
As others have mentioned, plan out your build before you just start grabbing stuff.
I would definitely keep an eye on Craigslist and wait for something to pop up. When I was searching for my 220 I check multiple times a day for weeks/months before finding it. Where are you located?
For filtration, I definitely recommend a sump for a tank that size. You could turn your 75 into a sump (you don't have to have baffles) or check around Craigslist again for a 75-125 gallon tank that you could then turn into a sump.
If you decide to go with canisters, you will probably be best off with three FX5/6's or Eheim 2262's. Or, you could go with four SunSun 304B's.
If you decide to buy a new tank, I think you should definitely have holes drilled into it, whether acrylic or glass, so that you can run a sump.
If you don't think you're handy enough to build your own glass, acrylic or plywood tank then I recommend not trying. It's not for everyone and you will likely just waste money in the long run.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I would definitely keep an eye on Craigslist and wait for something to pop up. When I was searching for my 220 I check multiple times a day for weeks/months before finding it. Where are you located?
For filtration, I definitely recommend a sump for a tank that size. You could turn your 75 into a sump (you don't have to have baffles) or check around Craigslist again for a 75-125 gallon tank that you could then turn into a sump.
If you decide to go with canisters, you will probably be best off with three FX5/6's or Eheim 2262's. Or, you could go with four SunSun 304B's.
If you decide to buy a new tank, I think you should definitely have holes drilled into it, whether acrylic or glass, so that you can run a sump.
If you don't think you're handy enough to build your own glass, acrylic or plywood tank then I recommend not trying. It's not for everyone and you will likely just waste money in the long run.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thank you very much for the detailed feedback. I went with the FX6 on my 75 so I'd prefer to exceed the minimum filtration requirements. I'll heed your advice and start researching sump systems that can accommodate a larger aquarium.
Update. I've spoken with the board of directors (wife) and I've gotten my budget to 3k. My LFS is hooking me up with a sump/ 210 /stand for 2k.
If you're willing to hold out for a Craigslist deal, I think you can do much better than that. I got my 220 for $400 on Craigslist, then the stand for $100, and I probably have less than $200 into the sump. I think you could save a decent part of your budget for filtration and stocking if you ask me.
