I just got a 75 gallon tank that I am going to set up for some native fish (perch, crappie, and a muskie) I am going to have quite a few live plants, a driftwood stump, and some rocks, and of course gravel. I have always used an under gravel filter, but with the plants I am not sure that is the best idea. I also have always powered the under gravel filter with the air pump, but now I wonder if I should use a power head? Then the big question HOB or canister filter? I like the canister because its less that is seen, but I like the HOB for easy cleaning. With this being a native tank, the food source will be all live minnows, so I would think there is going to be quite a few scales floating around. Which would I be better off with a canister or a HOB filter? Should I use a under gravel filter? and if so is a power head required?
canister or HOB filter
- Thread starter dgarnier
- Start date
UGF is inefficient for a biological filter. Canister filter with a bio-wheel attachment to outlet seems more practical and efficicient IMO. Also, if your planting you plants into the substrate I don't think you want the UGF clogged with plant roots. Also you can set up most canisters with what ever filter you need, and most can have outlet attachments to create currents.
Ok I now see why the under gravel filter may not be the best choice. I did find for more info at http://www.bestfish.com/ug.html
I have read that a tank with out an under gravel filter, you only need about 1/4" of gravel. That sounds good, it should be easy to clean. Now if you were to put live pants in to the tank, I don't think 1/4" will be enough. Is there a rule of thumb to use to find out how much gravel to use?
I am going to go with a HOB and a canister as recommended. Now I am thinking with a planted tank, and no under gravel filter, solid waste is going to collect on the bottom. It would seem the only way to get rid of this waste is to vacuum the gravel, and from what I have read so far, that is only a 2 - 3 months operation. I am only going to use live minnows for food, so the bottom should be a littler less contaminated. So with a set up like this, how often should I vacuum the gravel?
I have read that a tank with out an under gravel filter, you only need about 1/4" of gravel. That sounds good, it should be easy to clean. Now if you were to put live pants in to the tank, I don't think 1/4" will be enough. Is there a rule of thumb to use to find out how much gravel to use?
I am going to go with a HOB and a canister as recommended. Now I am thinking with a planted tank, and no under gravel filter, solid waste is going to collect on the bottom. It would seem the only way to get rid of this waste is to vacuum the gravel, and from what I have read so far, that is only a 2 - 3 months operation. I am only going to use live minnows for food, so the bottom should be a littler less contaminated. So with a set up like this, how often should I vacuum the gravel?
Good idea going ditching the under gravel filter, there junk. I would recommend a Filstar XP2 cannister filter and a Aquaclear 300 HOB fliter. This is what I have on my 75G and it works really well. If you are doing plants then you want at least 2" of gravel, but 3" would be better. I would recommend Flourite in stead of gravel though. It is made by seachem and is made for planted aquariums. You should definitely clean tank more than 2-3 months though. Especially with fish that size. I clean my african tank about once a week. Feeding them live fish is actually going to be messier than regular fish food too. The best place to buy the filters and flourite is at www.bigalsonline.com Best prices I've ever found. Hope this helps a little.
Jake
Jake