Best Canister Filtration

Claire Vaughan

Claire Vaughan

AC Members
Apr 15, 2017
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Las Cruces, NM
Real Name
Laura
Hello All. I am going to exchange my 2 Aqueon Whisper 75 out for a canister filtration system for my 125 gallon aquarium. After the research I have done so far, the Eheim seems to be the best.
Please, can I get some guidance and suggestion as to which would be the best for 125 gallons? Also, how often do canister filtration systems need to be cleaned and medium changed?
 
Claire Vaughan said:
Hello All. I am going to exchange my 2 Aqueon Whisper 75 out for a canister filtration system for my 125 gallon aquarium. After the research I have done so far, the Eheim seems to be the best.
Please, can I get some guidance and suggestion as to which would be the best for 125 gallons? Also, how often do canister filtration systems need to be cleaned and medium changed?
Click to expand...
I would like to tack on a question here-- as you will be setting up a canister filter, how will you arrange the filter media? I am a new aquarist and I got a used Eheim Aquaball. There are 4 sections, 3 course sponges and then these little ceramic-y or carbon balls in the top (white). I feel like the course sponges aren't really trapping too much debris, however the water in my tank is crystal clear so maybe it is working okay.
 
MrDibbs said:
I would like to tack on a question here-- as you will be setting up a canister filter, how will you arrange the filter media? I am a new aquarist and I got a used Eheim Aquaball. There are 4 sections, 3 course sponges and then these little ceramic-y or carbon balls in the top (white). I feel like the course sponges aren't really trapping too much debris, however the water in my tank is crystal clear so maybe it is working okay.
Click to expand...

I'm not all at an expert on canister filtration as I only have experience with the aqueon filtration systems, which have always worked well for me. However, from the research I have done, I will probably go with a course filter, a medium filter and then a fine filter on top. And the medium ceramic on top. I would really like to hear from some of the aquarists on this site who can guide us.
 
Hi Laura, congrats on considering upgrading to canister filters as they provide more volume and increase filter capacity. The short answer on cleaning frequency depends on how stocked your tank is with fish and maintaining water parameters with low nitrates.

Can you provide more details on what fish you will be stocking, how many and whether the tank is heavily planted, etc.?

I like the Eheim Classic series filters for simplicity (no electronics), ease of cleaning and great filtration.
 
Mr Dibbs, you can go to Eheim's website and download the owner's manual for the Aquaball filter. It should have all the info you need for media placement, spare parts, etc.
 
Laura:
IMO, you can never go wrong with an Eheim, but (also IMO) they are a little over-engineered. Cobalt and SunSun makes good filters too.
 
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dudley said:
Mr Dibbs, you can go to Eheim's website and download the owner's manual for the Aquaball filter. It should have all the info you need for media placement, spare parts, etc.
Click to expand...
Hey, good thought but there wasn't much info there apart from how to get it set up as it is already.

Unless you have some thoughts, I will search for a thread on the matter/ start one. Like I said originally, I'm not convinced it is working optimally. My aquarium as a child had an external hanging filter and the filter material was much finer. The aquaball honestly doesn't seem to be sucking very well or providing any media to catch the small particles which seem too just get cycled back into the water.
 
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dudley said:
Hi Laura, congrats on considering upgrading to canister filters as they provide more volume and increase filter capacity. The short answer on cleaning frequency depends on how stocked your tank is with fish and maintaining water parameters with low nitrates.

Can you provide more details on what fish you will be stocking, how many and whether the tank is heavily planted, etc.?

I like the Eheim Classic series filters for simplicity (no electronics), ease of cleaning and great filtration.
Click to expand...

I have 1 13" Pleco, 1 Angelfish, 8 Rummy Nose, 8 Neons, 2 Glo Fish, 5 Silver Tips Tetras, 3 Black Neons, 3 Female Mollies, 3 adult Plattys and now some babies that I will be giving to a local aquarium shop and 6 Cory Catfish. I don't have live plants. Plastics for the time being. Water parameters are always perfect with the 2 Aqueon 75. These are the hang on the back of the tank. I do 1/3 water changes about every three weeks and cleaning monthly.
 
Thanks Laura!

You may be able to use just one Eheim 2217 (I think it's now the 600 model) since you have smaller fish though that large Pleco does produce a lot of waste. Adding a 2nd one would give you good circulation and filtration capacity.

I only use the Eheim filters so definitely look at other brands as Jessica suggested.
 
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