120 Gallon Tank, Filters?? Cost??

I have two and didn't really notice much change in the electric bill. I use two emperor 400's in each. It depends on your stocking, but I think that would be the minimum. I also use a power head on one tank. My tanks do stay clean anc clear.
 
Why not go with a canister?
 
Well.

I used to use (and still do use) HOB's like Whispers and Emperors. However, in a larger tank, I would recommend a canister. They are much quieter, and cause less surface agitation -good if you have a planted tank, as it reduces the amount of oxygen introduced into the water to replace Co2, which live plants need.

Also, they are much lower maintence, in my experience. They are more expensive however.
 
I'm slightly confused, why would you say those two filters at least if one if recommended foe 100 gallons and the other for 60 gallons?

Thanks!

Oh yeah these are the fish going in it:

1 GT
1 JD
1 Oscar
1 Salvini
1 Texas Cichlid

Tank dimensions are 4x3x2 feet.
 
I'm not sure about the fish mix, meaning am not sure whether it's good or bad.

Generally, the filters are overrated. Plus, it makes sense to have 2 intakes.

That's only if you dont go with the canister idea. They are obviously better filters, as indicated by their higher price, espicially with a tank the size of your 100 Gallon. Will it be planted? You will loose a lot of Co2 if you choose a HOB.
 
If you don't mind the maintance and noise of a HOB such as the Penguin and Aquaclear, (something that will only be compounded because you will need parts for two different filters,) or the unsightly, well, sight of them hanging off the back and throwing intakes into your tank, then by all means go with them.

If you are willing to go with a larger (one-time) cost for the canister, and can live with the silence and it's good-looks, as well as only one intake and a larger bio-filter with less maintance...well then, a canister is the way to go.
 
Not to get into a debate, but generally canisters require much more maintenance than hobs. My emperors are not noisy at all.
Some of my tanks are planted as well with no additional co2.
 
AquariaCentral.com