Filtration 75 gallon

[mikey1958]

I am working on getting my new tank together..I ordered a basic 75 gallon to start with...My question is will a fluval 407 cannisters be enough filter to carry my tank?

 

[dedragon]

are you planning a reef tank or fish only? Canisters filters arent the best for reef tanks as they can build up nitrates fast unless cleaned out about 2 times a week which really sucks to do with a canister.

 

[mikey1958]

I really want a reef but can't afford to jump in a reef tank right now...So this is a budget build..I planned on increasing flow by using circulation motors on the sides

 

[dedragon]

I would use hob filters like 2x aquaclear 70s then instead if i was on a budget. Still need to clean the canister at least 1x per week it is just so much easier taking out filter media and replacing with something that is open like a hob.
Canister you have to carry to the sink unless you want to clean up water after as well. They arent terrible just way more annoying.

If you can, the best option i could say would be a sump. just drill the tank and add a 20 gallon sump plus a return pump. About the same price as a new fluval 407, but it will give you more space to expand to a reef tank in the future.

 

[mikey1958]

I would use hob filters like 2x aquaclear 70s then instead if i was on a budget. Still need to clean the canister at least 1x per week it is just so much easier taking out filter media and replacing with something that is open like a hob.
Canister you have to carry to the sink unless you want to clean up water after as well. They arent terrible just way more annoying.

If you can, the best option i could say would be a sump. just drill the tank and add a 20 gallon sump plus a return pump. About the same price as a new fluval 407, but it will give you more space to expand to a reef tank in the future.

 

[mikey1958]

I would love to drill my tank but if I break a 300 dollar tank my wife ... I'mwill....it won't be pretty....I like the hob ideas...I don't mind cleaning the cannisters have a coupe on 55 gal freshwaters...

 

[dedragon]

Did you get a 75 gallon standard rimmed tank? They should cost less than $300 as well. Petco has them rn for $130. If they are rimless or drilled I would understand the price increase though

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/aqueon-standard-glass-aquarium-tank-75-gallon

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

i would get a hang on back skimmer instead of a cannister filter

 

[Idech]

Look at Tunze internal filter and skimmers. That’s what I have on my 75 gallons. They both do a very good job.

 

[Red_Beard]

I have tried both on marine tanks, the canister is fine, but a lot more work to keep clean. The aquaclear hob is way easier to maintain, but isnt as pretty hanging on the tank. Both viable, but pros and cons with both. A hob overflow and sump would be even better if you dont want to drill it. After going sump i would be hard pressed to run a tank without one. I even ran a sump on my freshwater 90. Waaay easier to maintain and keeps all the clutter in the cabinet.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

ya i agree with idech.. the in tank those tunze would be a great way to get something good (if you buy a canister you will just end up not using it later and buying a skimmer) without spending a ton.

 

[mikey1958]

Did you get a 75 gallon standard rimmed tank? They should cost less than $300 as well. Petco has them rn for $130. If they are rimless or drilled I would understand the price increase though

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/aqueon-standard-glass-aquarium-tank-75-gallon

Had a horrible experience with Petco on tank.Firstbtey had it, then they didn't , then they could get one, they couldn't ship it to the store. Wanted 225 to ship it to me , then it was off sale, then it's 300 for the take and 225 to ship it

 

[bradreef]

Sorry to hear about your experience. I bought a $130- 75 before Christmas. Took polarized glasses and just drilled it last week.

 

[mikey1958]

Look at Tunze internal filter and skimmers. That’s what I have on my 75 gallons. They both do a very good job.

Thanks for the advice..I looked at the internal filter and that looks like what I need....would I need the skimmer too?

 

[mikey1958]

I have tried both on marine tanks, the canister is fine, but a lot more work to keep clean. The aquaclear hob is way easier to maintain, but isnt as pretty hanging on the tank. Both viable, but pros and cons with both. A hob overflow and sump would be even better if you dont want to drill it. After going sump i would be hard pressed to run a tank without one. I even ran a sump on my freshwater 90. Waaay easier to maintain and keeps all the clutter in the cabinet.

How woulda hob work with a sump?

 

[Red_Beard]

Hob overflow, not filter. So you can run a sump without drilling. Here is an example of one.

 

[mikey1958]

Hob overflow, not filter. So you can run a sump without drilling. Here is an example of one.

Thank you so much

 

[dedragon]

.I don't mind cleaning the cannisters have a coupe on 55 gal freshwaters...

Yes but are you doing it weekly or more? If not, this will increase your time for maintenance by a lot with the new tank. My first tank was a 75 fowlr with i think a fluval 303 or 304 canister. Not sure of the exact canister model but it was annoying keeping nitrates down

I would not run an hob overflow either, from my original canister I actually went over to an hob overflow, but it was a pain to get adjusted, was noisy, and I almost flooded my house once because the siphon took in some air and stopped. HOBs are finicky at best and not a great substitute for a drilled overflow imo. You can mitigate the risk of disaster using a float switch to turn off your return pump in a situation in which the water level drops if you know how to set one up but it is more moving parts that can fail given time

 

[dedragon]

Had a horrible experience with Petco on tank.Firstbtey had it, then they didn't , then they could get one, they couldn't ship it to the store. Wanted 225 to ship it to me , then it was off sale, then it's 300 for the take and 225 to ship it

that sucks, they usually have them in stock at the stores near me at least.

The aquaclear hob is way easier to maintain, but isnt as pretty hanging on the tank.

this is a great point, I 100% prefer external overflows to get the least obstruction possible. its just so much more clean looking than everything else.

The safest options I could give would just be the hob aquaclear filters or the tunze internal (tunze makes great internal filters and was an excellent recommendation as well). The other options can definitely work there is just more risk involved or a lot of extra maintenance.
I cant imagine the wife would be too happy if you soaked her floors in saltwater

 

[nuxx Verified Sponsor]

When we started I had a 55 with a canister, soon added a HOB skimmer.

Seemed to work ok with a few fish and some LPS frags... but yeah you're asking for trouble long term with a canister.