Question About Filtering A Large Tank

[P&J]

I've been thinking about getting a big tank soon (55-75 gal range), but I'm a bit confused about filtration. Right now I have a basic hang-on-back filter for my 20g, but I've gathered that an HOB isn't good enough for a 75g. Is this correct? Most recommendations seem to be for a canister filter. Which brings me to my next question...

How exactly is a canister filter set up? Does it have a hose that runs out the top of the tank and back in? Or is this when people drill their tanks? (I thought that was only for sumps.)

Help! I seem to think I need a canister filter, but I absolutely CAN'T find info on how to actually use one! Any good Web sites with diagrams or tutorials? Thanks!

-P

 

[fatheadminnow]

I've been thinking about getting a big tank soon (55-75 gal range), but I'm a bit confused about filtration. Right now I have a basic hang-on-back filter for my 20g, but I've gathered that an HOB isn't good enough for a 75g. Is this correct? Most recommendations seem to be for a canister filter. Which brings me to my next question...

How exactly is a canister filter set up? Does it have a hose that runs out the top of the tank and back in? Or is this when people drill their tanks? (I thought that was only for sumps.)

Help! I seem to think I need a canister filter, but I absolutely CAN'T find info on how to actually use one! Any good Web sites with diagrams or tutorials? Thanks!

-P

You could go with an AquaClear 110 Power Filter for a 75 gallon aquarium (HOB).

As for the canisters, they are used on larger tanks, like you stated, and have a inlet hose, and then a return hose (no drilling is necessary).

The tanks with the hole drilled in the bottom are used for sump/trickled filter setups. As there is a pump down in the sump and pumps the water back up into the tank. While the water level rises in the tank, the water spills over the bulkhead and down through the drilled hole and to the sump/trickle filter.

Hope this helps?
-FHM

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

Yep, external cannister filters have 2 tubes that hang into your tank. One draws water out and the other puts it back in It can be use with out drilling

Take a look here http/www.firsttankguide.net/canister.php

 

[P&J]

You could go with an AquaClear 110 Power Filter for a 75 gallon aquarium (HOB).

Thanks!

So there are HOBs that would work on a 75g? Would it be better to use multiple?

-P

 

[fatheadminnow]

You could go with an AquaClear 110 Power Filter for a 75 gallon aquarium (HOB).

Thanks!

So there are HOBs that would work on a 75g? Would it be better to use multiple?

-P

Yes, the AquaClear 110 gallon Power Filter would work on a 75 gallon tank.

Two filters are always better than one.

If one were to fail, you would always have a back up one.

-FHM

 

[P&J]

Hi

Yep, external cannister filters have 2 tubes that hang into your tank. One draws water out and the other puts it back in It can be use with out drilling

Take a look here [URL="http/www.firsttankguide.net/canister.php"]http/www.firsttankguide.net/canister.php[/URL]

Thanks!

Do you (or anyone) have pics of the hoses and all? I know, most of the time people try to keep equipment OUT of the pics, but that's why I couldn't see how they are set up! Now that I have a better understanding of what they are, I would be interested to see how the end product looks on a tank.

-P

 

[bitteraspects]

the ac110 will work on a 110g tank, as the name implies. however, i wouldnt suggest it.
it will definitely be more then enough for your 75g

 

[fatheadminnow]

Here's one I just pulled off Google for you.

Don't know if this answers your question or not?

-FHM

 

[bitteraspects]

Hi

Yep, external cannister filters have 2 tubes that hang into your tank. One draws water out and the other puts it back in It can be use with out drilling

Take a look here <a href="http/www.firsttankguide.net/canister.php" target="_blank">http/www.firsttankguide.net/canister.php</a>

Thanks!

Do you (or anyone) have pics of the hoses and all? I know, most of the time people try to keep equipment OUT of the pics, but that's why I couldn't see how they are set up! Now that I have a better understanding of what they are, I would be interested to see how the end product looks on a tank.

-P

heres one of my 75g tanks running an eheim canister

and another 75 running an aquaclear110 (w/ custom plumbing)

 

[P&J]

Here's one I just pulled off Google for you.

Ah yes, the Googles! For some reason, when I think "fish," I forget about the rest of the trusty Intertubes and come straight here! Duh!

-P

 

[petertr]

You can have an external with the hoses only just say showing. They are better than HOBs from what I have read.

 

[Bigpig]

I would recommend a External can also. More media room and options and they look very tiddy in the tank

 

[rdd1952]

A HOB would certainly work on a 75 gallon tank but as mentioned, externals are better IMO. Also for a tank that size, I would suggest dual filters, one on each end. To me, it offers better filtration and circulation not to mention an added amount of security as if one filter happens to fail, you still have another one operating.

 

[waterdrop]

I would agree. A big 75 US gallon is a perfect opportunity to benefit from dual filters. You can alternate your filter cleaning schedule, in addition to the other benefits that rdd mentions. I am biased in that I've grown to feel that external cannister filters are a -dream- compared to the filters of years ago, but I'll try to be unbiased in some comments:

A pair of large HOB power filters (like the larger AC models) is probably pretty closely matched to having a pair of reaonably large external cannisters down under the tank. The AquaClears in particular are mostly just big rectangles of media space, so are more flexible than models where you are locked into certain "cartridges." The cannisters probably have the edge in several ways: As mentioned in the good little article that FHM posted the link to, the water is under more pressure in an EC filter and water is more likely to be forced though slightly better mechanical filtration. The media volume is almost always greater in a cannister, but the bigger HOB ones also get larger media space, so the EC advantage might not be so much more in this case. The EC will have the edge in quietness, as the HOB will make more water noises dumping the water over the edge back into the tank usually. As far as cleaning, both HOBs and ECs are less messy to take to the bathtub or patio, but the trays in a larger EC probably make for the easiest cleaning of virtually anything out there. The trays on my eheim EC even have handles, making it easy to lift each tray and then dunk it in tank water for cleaning.. -dream- maintenance. EC filters are probably a little more expensive than the HOBs, so you will just have to weigh all these things and decide what is most important for your particular case.

Hope that helps a little.

~~waterdrop~~