Equipment Review and Discussion :: Suggestions for a new filter

[mzkitty23]

Hi everyone!
I'm needing to buy a new filter. I haven't bought one on a long time, so I'd love to hear what's the best out now. What does everyone suggest? Keep in mind Krueger takes everything apart! I saw an "external canister filter" online. Would that work? He has a 145g tank. Brand and model suggestions? Also, good sites/stores to get good deals would also be helpful.

[mikee]

mz-23 For a 145 gallon tank I would suggest a Fluval fx5. It puts out a lot of water and has a lot of media space. It is big so check you cabinet space. You will be pleased. You will have to check the pricing and your pocket book. m.

[BullDog]

I recommend the Fluval FX5 as well. I have two of them. They pack a good punch as far as gph, and they've got some nice features. It makes draining the tank easy.
They are pricey, but usually eBay has better deals than any pet store. Last time I looked, you could pick one up for about $220-250 including shipping.

[mzkitty23]

Sounds good. How much cabinet space do I need?

[BullDog]

The filter itself is about 20", but you need a couple of inches to access the valves and stuff. I built my stand with 30" legs, and with a 2x4 top and bottom the opening is about 23". That gives me just enough room to fill the canister and be able to easily access the valves and stuff.

Or you can always just put it behind/beside the tank. I did that with Frankie's filter. It's makes it really easy to access.

[theartbook35]

Get an internal, easier to set up.

I use a Cascade 400, and so far it's doing a good job starting the nitrogen cycle. It's got either a simple nozzle which just dumps out water, with an attachable air stone, or the spray nozzle which makes a big, noisy waterfall that I absolutely love to pieces.

Fluvals are very good, Eheims are supposedly good, but expensive.

It doesn't matter necessarily the brand, but the more expensive you go, the better quality the filter is, unfortunately. Make sure the filter pumps anywhere from double to five times the amount of water in the tank per hour. If you have a 50 gallon, it should pump 100 gallons per hour or even more for extra cleanliness. My filter cycles 110 gph, and I have a 55 gallon, with only 40 gallons in it.

[BullDog]

Alex, I don't think there is any type of internal filter that would work for a 145 gallon tank. You'd probably need 5 of them, and imagine how much swimming space they would take up!

[marisa]

Agreed. With that size tank, a canister would be the best. Filstars, Fluvals, Eheims are all good. All have their postives (and negatives) and people do have their own preferences. Get one that's rated for at least 3X the size of the tank.

[mikee]

MZ-23 The FX5 will more than supply the amount of water for the 5X rule. That is at least 5 times the gph that your are trying to filter. Good Luck! m.

[mzkitty23]

K! I did upgrade to the FX5, setting it up tonight. Thanks everyone!!!!