[Ichigo]

i am planning to set a new malawi cichlid aquarium.
i just want to ask you guys about which filter type do you prefer?
Here are te choices...

Canister filter - internal
Canister Filter- external
Overhead filter
Box Filter - internal
Box Filter - external
Sponge filter
Trickle Filter

Please answer this. i want to have the right filter for my 75 gallon aquarium(In planning stage)

 

[Joels fish]

All the filters you listed are good filters , but knowing what you plan to stock will help narrow down the possibilities. Personally I'd say you can't go wrong with a good canister, or hang on back/box filter. I try to stay away from any filters that go inside the tank itself, but purely for asthetic reasons. For a 75 gallon tank a wet-dry/ trickle filter is a little overkill, but for a heavily stocked Mbuna tank it's worth considering. If your going that route it's better IMO to spend a little extra money and get a tank that has a built in overflow chamber and holes drilled for the plumbing(reef ready). Also no matter which filter type you choose it's a good idea to get a filter thats rated for a tank larger than the one you plan to put it on. Most filter flow rates are measured with no media in them , so once you put some in there your flow rate goes down. A higher rated filter helps to reduce this effect.

 

[MightyM]

HOB/box filter is propably the best choice for efficiency, ease of use, reliability and cheap to maintenance...the AquaClear 500 can be customized with a sponge and is generaly known to last a long time. for your 75g overstock or not you cant go wrong with 2XAC-500.

 

[khaki]

i would say at least two canister for a 75g :dancing:

 

[rogersb]

I run a combo of canister and HOB. I use the AC 500, But have ruined two recetnly on the sand I had. I bought really fine sand and it went through the prefilter. The sand in my other tank is coarse and does not get kicked into the water column - just a little warning on being careful what kind fo sand you get, if you use sand.

 

[moneygetter1]

:wink: Consider a possible combo approach of an external can & hob set-up. As mentioned above, go for the size larger than the rating. You'll have more than sufficient movement & turnover. "T"

 

[co4nd]

My Top Choices

1. Trickle / Sump Filter - More Options, constant water level, greater water volume

2. HOB + HOB - ACs and Emporers are really all the filter most need, Cheap