Looking for more advice

[Jeff1192]

Okay so I have been convinced that I will not need an undergravel filter in my new 75 gallon tank. Also, I'm definitely going with a canister filter, now which one to choose. From what I've read the Eheim's are the best ones. I was in Big Al's yesterday and they recommended either the Eheim Pro II or the Eheim Ecco. Any opinions on either of those? Also in terms of a heater do you recommend a submersible or a clip on the side? Also what size of heater would be adequate and would I be safer with one heater or 2 smaller ones?

Thanks again for all your help,

Jeff

[BigDaddy]

The Pro II are nice filters... but if you aren't concerned about bells and whistles, the Classic series are great filters.  I would buy a classic before I bought an Ecco, just because the Classics hold comparatively more media than an Ecco around the same price range.

Pro II's are nice filters... I have two of them.  But they are very pricey.  Unless you look for deals on used models either here or on eBay.

[darkdep]

For heating, the general sizing rule is 3-5 watts per gallon.  So, for your 75, that means 225-375 watts.  In general, unless you're putting the tank in a very cold location, you should be looking at a 250watt heater for that size tank; it's a common size that many people use for a 75.

Submersible or clip on are your preference.  I use all Eheim Jager heaters and have been very happy with them; even though they do not say you can submerse them, they are fully submersible.

[charlie]

I  also support the Eheims filters , i have 2 of the pro 2`s , 1 classic & 1 ecco & love them all. The Pro 2 & classics is great for larger tanks, while the  the ecco is great for smaller tanks ( 20-40 gln), on my 75 gln  i run 1 pro2 & 1 classic.
There was a pro2  2028 used up for grabs here, do a search.
I suggest the eheim jager or visi-therm heaters, both i`ve used with fair success.I use a eheim jager 250 watt in my 75 gln.
Regards

[Mettle]

A lot of people I know like to use two heaters in a single, larger tank. One at each end. It helps to ensure even temperature throughout the tank. Generally these are 6 foot long tanks - but still, the same principle can apply. So you could easily do 150w at each end of a 75 gallon.

Another good tip for regulating temperature evenly throughout a tank is to put the heater near a filter intake. This way the warmer water gets pulled in and dispersed throughout the tank.