Needing advise on canister filter for larger tanks

[LittleAngel104]

Hello all!

My husband and I are slowly planning a 220g community tank.  We are a bit perplexed about all the choices of canister filters available so I taught I would ask for some advise from people who definitly know about this stuff (you guys!!!).  Anyway,  I'm wondering if I should go for one large capacity canister filter or settle for 2 smaller ones ?

I know that 2 filters will mean more maintenance but it seems that if one of the 2 filters stops working (for whatever reason),  the other one will continue filtration until the first filter is even discovered to be broken... 

I was also wondering if anybody had suggestions on what company to go with (ex: Fluval, eheim...).  Please tell me about your experiences with those canister filters!  I've been on the internet,  reading blogs and costumer reviews on about all the brands and it always seems like people are not satisfied. I presently have a Eheim canister filter on my 90g,  it must be close to 10 years old and is still running like new.  I personnally like it a lot but maybe there is something better out there? 

I'll be waiting for your comments, thanks in advance!!!

[dan2x38]

Anyway,  I'm wondering if I should go for one large capacity canister filter or settle for 2 smaller ones ?

I know that 2 filters will mean more maintenance but it seems that if one of the 2 filters stops working (for whatever reason),  the other one will continue filtration until the first filter is even discovered to be broken... 

I'd get 2 large filters. You can't over filter. That size tank you need good turn over and circulation. You might also want to consider a couple power heads to help with circulation. Two filters aren't so much work at all. You rinse one then a few weeks later rinse the other one. It would be more expensive to get 2 small filters then find out later you need larger.

[Fishnut]

What are you planning on housing in that tank?  Yes, 2 canister filters are always better than one..especially because you can alternte the maintenance on them.

As far as the brands are conerned, Fluvals tend to change a lot so the parts that might need to be replaced might also be complicated to get.  I also have an ehiem on my tank and love it.  Just the basic one is all that's needed.  The guy at BA said the difference between the Ehiems is the same difference between a toyota and a lexus.  You pay much more for the luxury of all the fancy features.

Have you guys ever considered a sump filter?  It's going to be a much more efficient, low maintenance filter for a tank that size.

http://www.oscarfishlover.com/index.php/Sump/What-Is-a-Sump-Filter.html

I have no idea what the const on them is but 2 ehiems  that can filter 220 gallons sounds like a heck of a lot of cash!

[fischkopp]

Two filters are a good idea, and choosing Eheim is too. They are known to be THE reliable filter. The classic version is the one I use, it doesn't come with fancy (not important) features and is nothing but a good plain canister filter. And the quick-connect works well enough at maintenance time. General rule would be: get the biggest filter(s) you can afford, get a even bigger one if you go non-planted or high-fishload.

An alternative might be to build your own filter to save yourself a couple of hundred bugs. You could also use cheaper knock-off brands like Rena, but may have problems reliability. I would not recommend Fluval (except for FX5), they are not cheaper than eheim classics, but a bit more painful to maintain.

[barefoot_golfer]

Great your researching and planning ahead!

I presently run (2) 2080 Ehiem canister filters with in-line UV st on one and an in-line heater on the other.
Maintenance is reasonably low with a rinse of (1) every 2 weeks thus lessening the bio flux.
Break down of my first filter was the reason for getting a second one, wouldn't look back, its worth the headache and potential loss.

I would suggest using corner bulkhead or fish caves to reduce short cycling of your supply and return (too close together).
Depending on the depth of your tank (mine is 30") I've alternately added depth extends on 1 of 2 returns lines so to take water from different depths and different cave cavities.        

In addition to your filter, determine what type fish than plants you wish to aquascape with and select a complimentary lighting system and when the lights go out a series of air pumps.

Enjoy

[LittleAngel104]

Thanks for the advise,  please keep the suggestions comming!

[cichlidicted]

hey .. well i prefer 2 filters for the reasons u've said and the fact that (u prob know this ) when you clean one filter the other still contains the beneficial bacteria... just keept it running with the first filter before cleaning the second one.

Am also planning on adding an overhead to increase the water flow in the aquarium.

I have no experience with eheim... but with the fluval i never had a problem.. they work great and QUITE, which is amazing cuz i sleep beside my aquarium  . goodluck

[sas]

I run FX5 on all my larger tanks, and also HOB filter on the two biggest tanks.
I like to get that surface movement going as well as the extra bio.

Keep in mind the amount of equipment you'll see in the tank.
You may want to try a sump setup?