best external filter for 180

[kelly82]

just wondering what would be the best buy for a 6 x2 x2 tank, im thinking fluval fx5 but am unsure. what would you recommend and why :1zhelp: thanks

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

I like to use wet dry filters on large tanks but i think a fx5 would be fine.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I'd go wet/dry if you aren't planning on a planted, co2 injected tank. Otherwise, the FX5 would be a better choice.

 

[Star_Rider]

or get a sump design that traps the CO2 to reduce CO2 escaping.

would a single FX5 be enough?

 

[kelly82]

i also have 2 fluval 4+ internal canisters im planning on keeping in there, im just looking for something to replace the rena 4 canister i have under it at the moment, it doesnt seem to do much, its 2nd hand and it has 'issues' so im planning on treating myself, or should i say my fish, to a new filter. my tank is planted, though no CO2, so im thinking fx5 would be best option? thanks for the input so far everyone.

 

[Rbishop]

big tank..I'd go with wet/dry....

 

[flossyfloofloo]

i have just set my first sump up on my 40 gal the filtering power is so much better than any canister (imo)

i am looking at getting a 140 gal and i will be running a 30 gal sump on that the good thing about sumps is it leaves the main tank clear of clutter as you can put the heaters into it too.

 

[kelly82]

im thinking sump, but am really unsure, my tank isnt drilled and i would be worried about how to do it all, it would have to stay undrilled so i dont know how it would work, i may have to look into this further. what size sump would be good for a tank this size, i certainly like the idea of having a clearer looking tank, but surely i would need to keep the 2 fluvals in there to keep the water moving well. i am heavily stocked too if that makes a difference.

 

[Star_Rider]

they make overflow boxes for hang on systems..pretty nifty too.

one is the continuous siphon overflow(CPR).

I would get the largest sump I could find to fit.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

If you do go swamp, oops I mean sump, use the HOB overflow as it make no sense to me to point out lack of tank clutter when you have internal overflows taking up 10% of the tank volume, IMHO.

But Im sure they are an excellent filter, they better be for as much room and weight and plumbing that they displace. I came to this crossroad and I fell back on my military doctrine the KIS system (Keep it simple). Hence one super quiet, super powerful, super light (by comparison) new Ebay $199 FX5 being delivered which includes everything and Ill still have 75% of the room under my cabinet.