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filter recommendations please

3K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  bearwithfish 
#1 ·
Hi, I am supposed to pick up a 72 gallon bow front this weekend,
and it is supposed to have an aquaclear coming with it but I dont know what size. I would like some recommendations regarding filtration for it. I only have experience with hang on back power filters and would like to go that route if possible. Not sure what with a tank this size


HELP
 
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#2 ·
Congrats on the new tank! If you really want to stick with an hob filter, I would go with the Emperor 400. I am afraid The Emperor is not quite enough for the 72. You will need to run two. Depending on the size of the Aqua Clear, you may be able to run it on one side, and the Emperor on the other.
 
#3 ·
I only prefer to stick with hob's because I know how to use them. The canisters look so complicated with all the tubes and things...................With a good recommendation, I could be swayed to use one. I figured if I use hob, I would use 2 as I do that already with my 35 gallon tank. Just wondering what kind either way and how much gph I need.

Thanks
 
#4 ·
I personally prefer over filtration, but you will need to consider what fish you are adding and how they will deal with the flow from the filter. It might not be the right way, but when considering a new filter, I look to see what size tank it says it will filter, then go a plus size.
If you are interested in a canister, the Eheim classic filters are very simple and easy to maintain. I would have to do some research to know what Eheim classic model would be right for your tank.
 
#5 ·
I am going to move my current fish that I have in the 35 gal to the new tank. 3 Guppies, 3 platies, 5 cories and 2 danios and of course my 2 batches of guppy fry. I currently have a cascade 200 and an aquaclear 150 running on that tank. I have filter floss on the intake for the fry to stay safe.

Then I will have the lovely task of figuring out what to put in that tank after its empty. Oh what I thought was going to be a mediocre hobby is turning into quite a passion.

Thanks
 
#8 ·
Since you are already getting one AquaClear with the tank, and want to stay with HOB, I'd suggest getting a second one so you are maintaining just one kind of filter. I've used Emperors for about 8 years, and they are very good, however, I finally got tired of purchasing new cartridges (could have purchased several Eheims for the cost of cartridges over the years), so put in two HyrdoSponge IV powered by a Whisper airpump, and my water quality is as good as ever. Fish might even like the slower current better.
 
#9 ·
You don't need to purchase cartridges for the Emperors. You can remove the carbon from the cartridge and run the filter floss alone till it falls apart. That makes them last 3 to 6 months. Alternately Dr. Foster's and Smith have a frame that fits into the cartridge slots that allows you to put in any filter media you want. I use both processes on my marineland filters and have spent very little to nothing on mechanical filter media.
 
#10 ·
Magnavore Super cartridges are also an option. Just remove the carbon insert that comes with em and stuff em full of floss or biological media such as ceramic noodles etc. Been running them with two Emperor filters for some months now.
 
#11 ·
I have used the Foster and Smith cartridges, and cut bulk floss to fit the frames, it worked well. I also wanted to try out making the tank "low tech", which was part of the reason behind the switch to the HydroSponges. Best comparison I can think of is it's kind of like going from a motor yacht to a nice sailboat.
 
#13 ·
i know i say this a lot but really running a HOB and also using a DIY submersible is great you get the water movement from the HOB and a you can customize your submersible any way you want to. not to mention once the initial investment of buying all the stuff for the submersible (around 20-40 depending on you) you have enough for multiple filters or to maintain one for a very long time.
 
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