Been doing some research about filters for my next aquarium set-up and have some filter questions
I'm hoping for a planted 90-gallon topical freshwater tank. (I've never done live plants).
I know that undergravel filters are obsolete. I know that over-the-back filters are still around but when I used them (20 years ago) I thought that they were a mess. I'm hoping to utilize one canister filter if for no other reason as it would be a cleaner look. But I'm getting mixed information about canisters.
First Question.
I've been told to take the recommended aquarium size for a canister with a grain of salt, as their manufacturer ratings are based upon canisters with no media. That I should go by the GPH and that it is multiple of your tank's capacity but the multiplier is all over the place.
I have seen that it should be 4x (360 GPH in my case), 5x (450 GPH) and even 10X (900 GPH). Which is the correct one?
Second Question.
Fluval or Eheim? These two seem to be the two big boys on the block. I'm willing to consider other brands.
Suggestions I have received include Fluval 407 (383 GPH), Eheim Pro 4+600 (331 GPH) and Fluval FX4 (700 GPH). This is where the multiplier is important because Fluval 407 and Eheim 600 barely make the 4x multiplier, if that.
Some people say that there is no such thing as too much filtration, so I am sorta kinda leaning toward the Fluval FX4 for safety margin reasons but it is the size of a stockpot which would require me to re-engineer my tank stand.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
- Jason
I have both eheim and fluval canister filters. Some of my eheims have been running since 1985. Back in May I purchased a used FX4 filter off of craigs list.
Unfortately it did not come with any intake / exhaust hoses. I was able to purchase some clear tubing from Lowe's and with some work with PVC was able to get it working. So there is a work around for FX4 hoses if you ever need to replace them.
I have the Fluval 407 on a 75 gallon tank, it runs very quiet, and I can control the flow. I have a variety of fish in this planted community tank some of which like more or less flow and what I have been able to do is aim the outflow so there is a small surface area where the gouramis can hang out (with lower flow), and the rest of the tank is higher flow. This tank has been set up for about 6 months and so far I am very happy with the quality of the filter, and have not had any problem with my water parameters.
You both gave me a lot to think about.
I was leaning toward the FX4 as it would allow me to reduce to one filter. As Matt stated, most websites recommend a 5x or 6x turnover of the water. And the FX4 could do it in one device. Plus, I wanted to minimize hardware in the tank. One filter, one set of input/output hoses.
However, I was unaware of the propriety hoses. Not sure whether I want to be tied to that. It would be nice to be able to get standard tubing at Home Depot if disaster strikes.
Plus, Linus's comments about the heater caused me to learn about in-line heaters (I did not realize that they were a thing) which do not work with the proprietary hoses. Plus, all the other in-line devices available (e.g. CO2 reactors) which the FX4 would prevent me from using.
- Jason
I've been using Eheim Ecco since getting back in the hobby about 15 years ago. Same cannisters for my 3 tanks (so I can swap out if needed). That being said, I'd look in to Oase (and may switch to something like this), as I like (1) the heater being incorporated in to the filter, and (2) the pre-filter being easy to clean, which would "reduces maintenance, increases filter efficiency, and extends the life of main filter foams."
https://store.oase-usa.com/products/oase-biomaster-thermo-600
All good questions.
As to your first question, back when I used canisters on most of my tanks, I usually aimed to have the filtration be six times the capacity of the tank, but I never knew if that was right. (I mostly have mattenfilters these days.) People get very exercised about this issue on various aquarium forums, but I'm not at all certain there's a scientific basis for their views. I do think that it is important to have enough flow to properly oxygenate the water in your tank. I also think it's important to have enough flow to move a good portion of the waste into the canister. Beyond that, I have no idea what the correct answer is. I know that Eheim generally seems to recommend lower flow than other filter manufacturers.
Which takes me to your second question, Fluval or Eheim? I always liked the simplicity of Eheim filters, and I had a bunch of them until a few years ago. Also, I didn't like the fact that the Fluval filters used proprietary hoses. Having said that, I think they are both good brands of filters.
I don't think there is such a thing as too much filtration, but there could be too much flow for your fish, so if you go for a big filter, make sure you can turn down the flow if necessary. You also could use two smaller filters.
The other thing I would consider is the ease of cleaning the filter. Canister filters are a pain to clean, but you probably should do it every few months. (There is a lot of debate on this topic. Some people think that having organic material piling up in your canister leads to black brush algae. Other people think that canister filters become "nitrate factories”. I don't think either concern is valid, but I'm no expert.) I don't know much about the particular models you are considering, but you might do some research to see what people say about cleaning out the canister.
Matt