Fresh Start

[Rich42082]

Starting up a 90 gallon fresh water tank. What's a decent filtration system? I'm looking for a good quality canister filter.

Also does GPH matter in a fresh water tank? How much do I need?

This tank will also have live plants in it. Any information on live plants is greatly appreciated. Do I need strong lights for them?

 

[doaz]

Also what's better a hob or canister filter?

 

[Dutchz]

You want enough filter action depending what the tank will actually be? Do you want a heavy planted tank or an mostly fish tank. Also a hob filter should do a pretty good job.

 

[Rich42082]

It'll be mostly fish with a couple plants. It'll probably be over stocked with fish though.

 

[flitabout]

It'll be mostly fish with a couple plants. It'll probably be over stocked with fish though.

Why do you want to overstock your tank? What are you planning on stocking

 

[Rich42082]

Not sure. This tank is not mine. I had it setup as a sw reef tank but I upgraded to a bigger tank. It's my wife's tank now and I'm helping her pick out the equipment. My wife is picking all the fish and plants.

 

[Rich42082]

So any advice on GPH and canister filter?

 

[bmarine]

So any advice on GPH and canister filter?

The fluval brand has great canisters, but are pretty pricey. I have heard many good things on the Rena XP series canisters though!

 

[Rich42082]

Thanks. Would I be able to attach the canister into my drain and return pipes?

 

[bmarine]

Thanks. Would I be able to attach the canister into my drain and return pipes?

I guess i dont completely understand what you mean. Are you saying your tank is drilled? All canisters ( at least new ones anyway) have pipes and tubes come with them for output and input for the tank.

 

[Rich42082]

Yes it's a predrilled tank

 

[bmarine]

Well i'm not sure if it would hook up with your pipes, they may be different sizes. You could always cap off the holes though if you wanted too.

 

[Rich42082]

Has anyone used both sand and gravel?

 

[Rich42082]

I have 80lbs of Aragonite sand and 40lbs of gravel.