New Tank

[mistyk11]

Hi there to all, I don't post much but I lurk here everyday. I just ordered my new 110 gal tank and stand today so now I am starting the hunt for the new equipment for it. I am currently looking into the canister filters since I plan on keeping my HOB filters on my 55 gal tank. This new tank 110gal will be host to 1 Oscar, 1 Jack Dempsey and 1 common Pleco. I need to know which would be a better set up, the Filstar XP3 AND an Aquaclear 500 or would just the Filstar be sufficient? I know that more filtration is better and I think my 55 gal should be fine with the 2 Aquaclear 300's on it. The smaller tank will be housing a Ghost knife and unknown what else at this time (probably some sort of Pleco). I also need some suggestions on heating for the larger tank. Is it better to go with 2 150 watt heaters rather than just 1 300 watt one? Also, I need some advice on lighting for the new tank since I have to buy all of that from scratch. I'm used to buying the easy to use aquarium hoods but since my new set up has a canopy on it, I need a little advice on what type of light fixtures I can use and what are recommended. Thanks for any and all advice!

Misty

[125gJoe]

For the filters, the AquaClear and the Filstar xP-3 would be great.. I know Oscars can be real messy..

[mistyk11]

I've been reading up on the canister filters since I've always used the HOB's but since this is a larger tank, I was looking at maybe using both. I was unsure about whether the Fluval 404 or Filstar would be best but I am leaning towards the Filstar. Now if I can just figure out the lighting set up, I'd just about be set! Thanks for you info.

[tomm10]

I'm new to cannisters myself so I can't give you any advice on them except to say my Fluval 204 is almost completely silent (I have to turn off everthing in the room that makes noise and listen intently to hear it at all).

I opted for using the Fluval in addition to my Penguin 125 hob on my 29g. My thinking was that I would rather have two filters in the event that one failed or had to be out of commision while being cleaned/serviced.

So far thats working well. It also means the water is filtered at both ends of the tank. Instead of one intake at the center or corner of the tank, I have a filter intake at each end and uniform surface agitation.

Tom

[125gJoe]

I have both, the Fluval 404 and the Filstar xP-3.

My own experience is that the Filstar xP-3 filters better...

And, the corrugated tubing is not a good design on the Fluval. Gunk builds up in the hoses after awhile. The Filstar has smooth tubing..

[emoore]

I have a Filstar XP3 and a fluval 204 and I like the Filstar better. I would go with the XP3 and the Aquaclear 500 on a tank that size.

[mistyk11]

Thanks to all replies! Yes, I think I will end up going with the Filstar and the AQ 500. Drs Foster and Smith are having a sale on the canisters so I might as well get them while the income tax money is still here! I'll leave the 2 AQ 300's on the 55 gal tank with the BGK and whatever else I put in there with him, if anything. I'm still looking for some info on the heaters and what type are best to get.