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.