What kind of filter should i get for a 75 gal. fresh-water aquarium?

Question

It's a new tank and i will probably put some kind of predator fish in it. Should i get undergravel? Should i use more than one?

Answer 1

Well i my self would use a filter that goes on the back of the tank that cycles the water 3 or 4 times a hour so if you have a 75 gallon tank look for one that filters at least 225 gallons a hour. it should say it on the out side of the box. and i would get one with a bio wheel filter but some times a bit more money for them.

Answer 2

I don't know what kind of pedator fish you are talking about. Whether it's Oscars or a tank with several types of predators in it like Ctenopoma acutirostre (Spotted Climbing Perch). But I would suggest a filter like an Marineland Emperor 400 ( 400 gal. per hour)which has twin chambers with inserts you can load your own filter material in, or use a cartridge you can replace or both. It also has twin bio wheels for biological filtration that never need replacing, unless they broken etc. Undergravel filters are really not anywhere near as effective as this kind of filter. You can either double it or use it's smaller brother Emperor 280 besides. I have a 90 gal. with a pair of 8 in.Clown Loaches, a 11 in.Giboceps Pleco., a Royal Pleco. and a Climbing Perch, along with several other variaties ranging up to 20 yrs old. Enough about that. Go to www.thatpetplace.com for this filter, or any other filter or supplies you might want for the best prices and fast service.

Answer 3

Don't get an undergravel filter, they are not very effective. In theory, the idea is good; they pull all the feces and uneaten food into the gravel where it can biodegrade; in reality, the amount of food and poop produced by the fish is too much for the biological system to code with, and you will get a bacterial explosion.

That said, you have two affordable and efficient options. The first is a HOB (Hang off the Back) power filter. Get one rated for at least 100 gallons ; the AquaClear 110 would be perfect.

The other option would be to get a canister filter. A Rena XP2 would be just fine for your took.

I prefer the canister filters, myself; they have a larger capacity for filter media. However, there is less oxygenation and they are more expensive.

I would suggest you start with an AquaClear 110 (or similar HOB filter) and keep your eyes open for a used canister like on craigslist. Once you find a used canister, or one on sale, you can keep the HOB, but fill it with filterfloss - this will keep your water looking clearer, and also well-oxygenated.

Answer 4

Dont use an undergravel filter. They allow food and feces to collect under the plates and its impossible to remove with your weekly vacuuming when you do your water change. I'm a big believer in lots of filtration so I would get 2 hang on the back filters with each one being for at least a 50 gallon tank. Get the kind that has a seperate sponge type filter and bag for your charcoal. That way you aren't changing out all of your filtration media at the same time. You change the sponge one time and the charcoal the next. Also make sure you place a bag of the little ceramic Bio Balls in your filter to host the beneficial bacteria needed for a properly balanced tank. These never get changed.

Answer 5

I have a 75 gallon tank and have 2 whisper filters on it. Each filter is rated for up to 60 gallons/340gph. They were around $40 at my local Walmart. I also have added the filters from my 10 gallon tanks when those tanks were empty.
Most hang on back filters nowadays come with a biofilter in addition to the regular filter cartridge.

Also No under gravel filter. With regular gravel vacuming they are not needed and are actually a danger to your fish if they aren't cleaned properly. And how easy is it to clean an under gravel system when your up to your armpits in water and have to mess around under at least 60 lbs of gravel.....NOT my idea of fun.

Anyway enjoy setting up your tank.

Answer 6

I would recommend a hang on back canister such as an Eheim or a Magnum HOT. I have used both of these brands for quite a few years and have always found them to be reliable. I prefer canisters just because of the options you have when adding different types of filter media. Just make sure the filter is powerful enough for the tank, you can also throw on a small powerhead for extra surface circulation if you want.

Answer 7

I would suggest a hang on the back power filter for your tank. Larger predator fish are often quite messy and need the quality filtration. These filters are not cheap, but they are the best bet for you and will pay off in the long run.