Tank Hardware and Filtration?

Question

I am not really big into know which model rates the best and all that. I know what needs to be done and how to identify and treat most chemical problems. Am kinda wishing now I had more interest when I was in high school in biology instead of focusing on Chem, Physics, Trig and Calc but oh well.

I'm getting a new 180 gallon tank, stand, glass hood, and 2 three foot light sections. I am taking my gravel and heaters out of my 15 and 20 gallon tanks. Population is going to be posted as a follow up. What I really need to know as this set up is already putting me back about $750.00, what filtration to run. I know population will factor in so wait for the follow up to answer please. My inital plan was to use 2 Fluval 405 Cannister filters and that'll go for about 250 for both of them. Can I do better on filtration and not go way out of my pocket on this, or am I good enough at the two cannister set up?

Population will be:

3 8 inch Silver Arowana
8 (3) Male (5) Female Taiwan Reef breeders
4 2.5 inch yellow labs
5 3 inch yellow Baenchi peacocks
2 2 inch Bronze Cory Cats
2 6 inch Plecos
2 Mbuna's looks very close to demonsi's at about 2.5 inches each
4 Blue Acara's just ordered today
2 glo zebra's

Ok I know I'm way under populated, and I'm going to use the gravel and filter media off my 2 other established tanks to keep the colony growing. I need to know as this population grows, will I be ok with 2 Fluval 405 cannisters as filtration, or do I need something better? The 2 Fluvals will give filtration coverage rated for 100 gallons each. Reccomendations and estimates on your recommendation for pricing please.

Answer 1

I'd question aro's with Rift valley, but you know what your doing, they'll do as a bare minimum, i must admit id be tempted with an internal as well, something like a denerle C404 or anything like that with plenty of media as a purely bio, canisters are great but i find them more of a use as mechanical filters. or you could even replace one of those fluval's with a diatomic if they still do them, i had one of those years ago before water, glass, and electrics became a big issue in the U.K. they don't half polish the water off.

Ideally though if you can afford it get the tank drilled and have a large 100 gallon sump/trickle filter. Not only is it the best way of filtering i think, but increases your capacity for fish.

AJ

P.S. Hey but what would I know.

Answer 2

Pluses and minuses of course in this or any other choice. Personally, I like the dual filtration like the set up you describe. The drawback of course it it costs more, but it provides even and consistent filtration to the entire tank and also allows you to clean the two filters on a rotating basis so you never hurt your bacterial filtration too much at once. In the event you need to medicate the tank, one can be moved to an empty tank to preserve the bacteria (depending on the reason for the treatment of course). Much more versatile than one filter alone.

MM

Answer 3

for a tank that large i would say runnig a wet/dry would help alot, there are some DIY plans ou there as well, im sure you've seen the price on those. i like runnig several types of filters my self. i like runnigncanisters for mechanical, but prefer wet/drys for bio. if you have the space run both types, heck a 180 is abig investmest. i would look around on groups and forums for more advice on the matter, i get queasy telling someone what my opinion is one such a huge investment

Answer 4

Hi Jon.

Check out this link for more information on what hardware adn such you will need for your 180 gallon tank:

http://www.aquariacentral.com

There are fish experts who moderate the site and its a great forum to utilize for all fish and tank related questions.

If you know the brand name you could always google that too.

Otherwise, call or visit your local Petsmart for help or if you know of a Fish store, they could help you too.