preparing for a tank upgrade

[Buphy]

So in preparation for my upgrade to a 75 I've come up with 2 concerns.

1) The "stand". My 55 is currently on a low dresser. It seems to be holding well enough but for a 75... I don't remember it being a particularly solid piece of furniture when I brought it up stairs last year (not to say it was weak). Do y'all think adding support on the back side of the dresser would help any?

2) The filter. Currently I have the filter that came with my 55, a HOB top fin 60 power filter. Not sure this filter is gonna be enough for a 75. Also the 75 will just fit on the dresser so unless I pull the dresser out I don't know if I can even fit a HOB filter. Question becomes, if I can't carry over my current filter, and I don't have gravel in my tank (have slate bottom) how do I upgrade my tank and carry over BB? Also, any filter recommendations?

Anyways, thanks for reading, look forward to y'all's responses!

 

[Buphy]

And... I just realized I posted this is the wrong section... If staff reads, can they move?

 

[Blue Bear]

Can't say much about the dresser.

However, about the filtration, I would just get another HOB filter, and run them both. Then your old one will be able to hold the tank over until the new one cycles as well.

 

[Chockful O Phail]

I'd agree, put the old one on for a month or so and let new filter catch up. I would recommend a fluval 406. Excellent filter for its size, a little tough to get the top off when cleaning but I found if I put lube on the seals the top came off pretty easy. If you want to continue to use a HOB the there is no substitute for an AC110. There are cheaper canisters like sunsuns and such, just get the biggest canister you can afford.

 

[convict360]

Look into getting a cabinet custom built, it's cheaper than you think if you look around; they can reinforce it too.

Regarding the filter, I wouldn't run a hob on a 75 but that's just me; also since you can't fit it on realistically without the aquarium sitting out from the wall, I'd run it for 2 weeks or so hanging off the side while you introduce a filter with a better flow rate, such as Fluval 406 that another poster mentioned, or even two internal U4's (excellent filters). Then remove the hob.

 

[Buphy]

OMG! Never seen these U filters... Must... Do... More... Research!!

 

[convict360]

OMG! Never seen these U filters... Must... Do... More... Research!!

They are superb, I know in America HOB's are more popular; but honestly the U series have fantastic flow rate, easy cleaning; and the filtration set-up gives it a great surface area for bacteria to colonise lol. One is good, whack two on and you're laughing, 2000 lph flow, and means you can alternate squeezing sponges on even a weekly basis lol.

Not that I'm biased towards it or anything

 

[Manu8__too]

I seem to recall you saying (in an earlier post) that you lived in an apartment. If that's the case, I'd be hypervigilant in how you support your tank(s). A full 75G tank weighs roughly 622lbs (give or take a few). I definitely wouldn't recommend using something that isn't designed to support such a heavy weight load, especially if it's going upstairs. As for a filter, you can't beat an AquaClear 110. They are phenomenal HOB's that are readily customizable. They have terrific flow-rates and last forever. Just my two cents.

 

[Buphy]

Just picked up a Fluval U2 on clearance for like $20, gonna test it out and see how I like it.

 

[convict360]

I've heard that aquaclear 110's have basically a legendary reputation lol, don't see them over here in Britain though sadly!

U2 is OK, but won't be strong enough for a 75, I suppose it will let you see the filter in action though