Requesting filter type info

robinw

Proud Grandma
May 5, 2007
59
0
0
TEXAS
I'm starting a 75 gal African Cichlid tank. Can someone please advise the best filter type and size?
 
For a tank that big, a canister would be the least that I would want. Another option is a wet / dry but chances are you don't need one that potent. My own experience makes me like the Rena XP series of filters better than others that I have tried. You will also get posts from people who prefer the Eheim filters and the Fluval filters. Since I have never owned their canisters, I am not qualified to compare them. I do own a marineland C series and was quite happy with it until the hose shutoff stopped working. Now it is a bit of a pain to clean it.
 
I would definitely go canister. I have a 75 gallon that is rather well stocked (6 angels/3 german blue rams/1 synodonis/2 twig catfish/5 serepae tetras/6 neon tetras/1 bamboo shrimp/1 honey dwarf gourami/5 zebra botia loaches/1 male beta/an unknown number of glass shrimps) and could not imagine using a hanging filter. Right now I have the Marineland C-360 and a powerhead going with sponges on the intakes. I do a 20-30 percent water change every week and have good results. I did use my own materials in the canister though. I replaced the bio-balls with Eheim substrate pro and I cut my own filter pads. I did keep the ceramic rings and heavy sponges that came with the filter. The water parameters stay pretty constant and is very clear since I took out the bio balls and replaced them with the Eheim 'coco-puff' balls. I put in the power head to add some needed water flow for my twig catfish (they love it!)--but I think it would be just fine without the powerhead. This is the first canister that I have owned and cannot see going back to the filters that hang for larger tanks. My favorite filters were the Whisper hang ons-and still are for my smaller tanks--I've used them for about as long as I can remember and still like them--but not for larger tanks! I have Eheim ECCO's for the 29 gallon and use a spray bar--also very nice! But I don't think any of the ECCOs are big enough for a 75 gallon all by itself. There are so many to pick from............it is a hard decision to pick the 'right' one......especially after seeing some of the price tags!
 
I use a fluval FX5 canister on my 75 gallon keeps it looking sparkling clean and clear I bought it new on ebay for 179.00 and shipping was free.
 
I use two Aquaclear HOBs on my 75. Besides having a backup in case of problems, it allows me to keep the filters fairly clean - 1 filter is cleaned in tank water ever 2 weeks.

I love the sound of running water and I can now tell just by the sound if there is anything wrong with the filter. Between the two filters my water is turned over 10 times an hour.
 
Thanks to everyone for the information. Now I just have to decide which canister to use.
 
I recommend the Marineland C-Series, especially the 360 for the 75 gal tank. I have several and am amazed by them, with no issues what so ever.

They are on sale at Ken's right now for $127....
 
I recommend the Marineland C-Series, especially the 360 for the 75 gal tank. I have several and am amazed by them, with no issues what so ever.

They are on sale at Ken's right now for $127....
Incredible price, even with shipping its still cheaper than iv seen, Hummmm...........:drool:
 
AquariaCentral.com