What filtration system should I use?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

bradcine

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 29, 2019
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I will be using a 200ish gallon tank with sand as the core. I’m not excacly sure what fish I will have but will be something on the lines of 1 or 2 Veija/Paratheraps/Amphilophus.. 4 Convicts, and bottom feeder. I prefer something that cleans the water by itself, thanks!
 
That size I would almost certainly get a large sump, either purchase one or set up a diy system from a 55 gallon tank. Use filter socks, maybe purchase 10 socks, change them every 3-4 days, and throw them in the washer with out soap. Hot water. And reuse them.
Fill the sump with ceramic media, and if you don’t have live plants in the tank, get some pothos or anachris or a similar rapidly growing plant and light the sump.
That’s my two cents.
 
Sumps are great, but if you don't feel like plumbing, you could do something similar to what I'm doing on my new 180 setup - dual FX-6 plus a Tidal 110.
 
you could use a pond canister filter, they usually have built in UV-sterilizers and have a backwash setting that would make for easy filter/tank cleaning
 
I'm not sure what you mean by "cleans the water by itself" but when it comes to to filtering large tanks sumps are the best way to go in my opinion.There are many options for you to look into with sump systems,from simple and basic to high tech and elaborate.
 
If you have back issues or on the older side, sumps are the way to go. If you're not inclined to do plumbing and don't want to strain your back underneath the cabinet of the tank, then get multiple canisters no larger than FX4/Eheim 2117.
 
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If you have back issues or on the older side, sumps are the way to go. If you're not inclined to do plumbing and don't want to strain your back underneath the cabinet of the tank, then get multiple canisters no larger than FX4/Eheim 2117.
You think having two fx4s is better than one fx6?
 
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