Ultimate Filtration

[n2deep]

I am researching ways to filter my 200 gal African Cichlid tank. The tank is drilled but has no built in overflow boxes. I am hearing I should do a trickle filter from Aquaclear Aquatics, CPR, a Marineland Tidepool, Emperor 400's. I am told I should use bio bale, bio wheels, a bio rocker. Im afraid I will have a nightmare that the world is being taken over by nitrifying bacteria, ok that was for humor. People help me decide which way to go with this project.

Tanks in advance !

[Hound]

Well, I believe the Emporer 400 (and its lesser sibbling Penguin 330) are both excellent power filters that include bio-wheels. That being said my experience doesn't include 200 gallon tanks and I would question if either filter would be up to the task :( . I'm thinking that you would need a canister type filter along with a large sponge filter.

[RTR]

For large tanks, I would suggest a W/D, as apparently others have. Good and easily accessed prefilters should be a requirement - frequent pre-filter rinses make a significant difference in your tank nitrate levels (removing crud before it is digested to nitrate and other pollutants) if you do frequent rinsing.

Nitrifying bacteria can hardly take over the world, as there is no way they can outgrow their energy source, ammonia or nitrite. The colonies can only grow to match the need for them.

[n2deep]

Thanks for the speedy replies. Please keep em coming.

[aquariumfishguy]

Definately go Canister for a tank of 200 gallons! Not to my knowledge is there good power filters out there that are recommended for 200 gallons. You'd probably need 4 or so HOB filters just to get things started...:eek:

[n2deep]

Just to inform you, my current set up. It drains via one drain directly into a 1200 gph pump, goes into a single Ocean Clear canister with poly pads supposedly one filters debris, the others provide the biological. The return is split, one directly back ino the tank, the other into a Rainbow Lifegard (thats how THEY spell it) fluidized bed filter. The other end of the tank is plugged off via the bulkhead fittings. In my garage collecting dust are a second Ocean Clear canister and Rainbow UV.