I plan to get a larger fish tank and am looking for information?

Question

My largest tank is a 55 gallon - I want a 100 gallon or larger freshwater tank as my next one (so addictive!) but want to make sure I know what I am doing before I begin. Things I have no knowledge of - overflow - canister filters - protein skimmers - and well, anything else that I don't need with my 55 and smaller tanks. Please provide any information you have and links if possible.

I am planning on many small fish (possibly only one species). Do you have any filter recommendations? I am new to canister filters, but I know that is what I will need.

Answer 1

Aquaria certainly are addictive - just wait till you get a saltwater bug! Until then, you won't need a protein skimmer - they don't function in freshwater because they need the higher specific gravity of saltwater to remove proteins.

If the tank has an overflow, it's meant to have a sump or trickle filter (this usually involves a second tank under the main tank to provide extra water volume and a place to put heaters, and other equipment to keep it out of sight). If you don't have a overflow with a sump or wet/dry filter, The canister filter would be the way to go - they hold more media and the water can't flow over or around the media, it's forced through, so you get better filtration. Plus, you have more options for the types of media you use.

Other than a larger filter, the only items you might consider are a second heater (for more even heat distribution, plus it gives you a backup should one malfunction - both should be the same wattage) and a powerhead for more water circulation in the tank. If you're planning a planted tank, make sure you have adequate wattage (3-5 watts per gallon, depending on the intensity needs of th plants you might get)

I'll post a few links below for you - everything from tank equipment to some community suggestions.

Answer 2

if you're staying freshwater, you won't need a protein skimmer, they're mainly for saltwater tanks.

i don't think there's much extra you need for a 100 gallon freshwater you don't use with a 55, only the size of filters and heaters will be upgraded a bit. an external filter may be best with a 100 gallon, they're that bit more powerful, and there are tons of different ones on the market, sadly i'm not a hardware expert. and what filters you use will depend on what you're stocking. are planning a large community tank with lots of medium sized fish, or just one or two large fish?

have a look at the forum below, it's on the monster fishkeepers website, where a 100 gallon is teeny tiny to them, but they'll know what larger filters work best with larger tanks.

edit: check the second link below. i've personally only had experience with fluval and eheim, i think they're the best known two makes.

Answer 3

I have a 150 gallon so I have been through the set up and its been running for two years. First make sure that the floor you are setting the tank up on can support it. With gravel and decorations the estimated weight is over 1000 lbs. The canaster filter I use is two Fluval 404's. They work really good and are easy to maintain. Also make sure you use good heaters most likely two 200 watt to maintain at least 78 degrees. As far as set up make sure you have enough help that can lift without getting hurt. It took 4 large grown men to get my 150 on the stand empty. Also when leveling the tank I found using scrap ceramic tile very good to provide a surface that does not dent or move over time. It is VERY important to get the tank lavel side to side and front to back so not to put excess pressure on the glass. Make sure the tank is not set up too high so that you can reach the bottom
( unless you like standing on a ladder). Good Luck!