New 55 Gallon Cichlid Tank

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dskrpncs

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 17, 2010
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South Dakota
I am looking to start a new 55 gallon cichlid tank...I am a not a beginner but I have a lot to learn, discover, etc. I am looking for a good breed of cichlid that is quite colorful. I am looking for recommendations on what type of substrate to use as well as suggestions on the best type of filtration for my 5 gallon tank. I plan to use Lace Rock and fake plants for decoration.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions that you offer.
 
You don't have to use canister filters. In my opinion canister filters are superior to Hang on Back (HOB); They do a better filtering job (no bypass) and are easier to clean). However, if you clean your HOB filters on a regular basis (once a month), you should be ok.

Remember, don't go by the manufacturers tank size of the filters; go by Gallons per Hour (GPH). I would get either a cheap canister with at least 300 GPH or get an Aquaclear 110 (500 GPH).

I have a 200 gallon with 2 canister filters (very clean); also have a 110 with 2 HOB filters, very clean. The filters have positives and negatives to them.

Good luck !!! :headbang2

BTW, i think the Fluval *05 series are very expensive. A 405 (about 350 gph) is about $250 retail. Whereas, you can get a Fluval FX5 at around 900 MAX gph for $300.
A cheaper canister is the Marineland Magnum 350 (between $100 and $150). Not the most user friendly, but it's managable. It filters 350 GPH, and has a carbon basket, that I would load with bioballs for more bio-filtration. Also, the Magnum can also come with a bio-wheel attachment, for even more bio-filtration. Again, not the best filter, but it's a cheaper alternative.
 
If you can get 2 ac70's from big als online, they are only $20. Cheaper than an ac110!

Edit: but not sure if that sale is still on.. and I can't get the site to load. >_<
 
dskrpncs;4014956; said:
What is considered the best HOB power filter? I see that MarineLand is now making the Magnum Pro with the BioWheel...http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3598&pcatid=3598

Does anyone have any experience or heard anything about these? I want a filter system that is easy to maintain yet very effective
Click to expand...

They clog up fast and are a pain in the butt to clean. You also have very limited options in terms of additional media. A poor design in general.

I have one sitting on my shelf, collecting dust.

Go with a Fluval or a Rena if you're wanting to go with a canister. Both are vastly superior to the Magnum.
 
I recommend the rena xp series for canisters. For fish i would recommend yellow labs or tropheus duboisie. sorry my spelling is terrible.
 
I never used the MAGNUM HOB, so I don't know. However, the MAGNUM 350 canister shouldn't clog unless your using the micron cartridge. The micron cartridge is designed to clog, as it "polishes" the water. Most of the time, the media basket should be used; not the micron cartridge.

I do agree with the others. Go with RENA XP or Fluval. The magnum is a cheaper, less user friendly alternative to other canister filters. I thought maybe that would be helpful since your looking at HOB filters which are about 1/3 the price of canisters.

ALSO, to answer your question, in my experience, Aquaclear (made by the same company that bought out Fluval) is the best HOB filter. It's easily customizable, fairly cheap, and has a higher GPH than others. I'm sure others will disagree, but the choice is up to you.

Good luck and keep us updated ! :headbang2
 
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