Tank Setup, Filtration and Media Options and Substrate

[jiant2520]

I am looking into buying a tank soon. I sold all my tanks over the past few years, including my most recent 265g about a year ago, maybe closer to two years since I had one running.

I am looking into a 300g tank. I used two fx5 filters on my 265g and was thinking more like three fx6 filters would be more the way to go. I am not getting a drilled tank, so no sump.

My question is, do you think two or three fx6 filters? I get more filtration is better, but is it needed? Also, what is everyone's opinion on media? Bio balls or Bio Max? Any other media options? Lastly, substrate? Sand, gravel or tile?

I plan on stocking it with 4-6 CA cichlids, say Midas, Trimac, GT, etc and a larger catfish or two.... Granulosus, Vulture, Achara, etc. It will not be heavily decorated, but will have some spots for the Catfish.

Thank you for any help you may provide.

 

[jiant2520]

Just a heads up... I am leaning towards three fx6s, using bio balls for media and a tile type of substrate.

I used sand before and my filters we filled with it....

 

[islandguy11]

In regards to the tile I considered that as well a few months ago -- it can look ok and is seemingly easy to keep clean -- but then I saw some youtube videos of people pulling up the tiles and cleaning the somewhat shocking amount of detritus etc. that gets trapped under them, so went another route (mostly bare bottom). Welcome back to the hobby -- it's hard to stay away too long, isn't it?