Fllter for 220g

[pogi2009]

I just got a used 220 g acrylic aquarium dirt cheap. Its not a show tank but good enough for garage/basement. The previous owner used a power filters keeping oscars and the "stuff" underneath (don't know the name) haven't been used and don't plan to use them either.
I have a few questions and need some help
1. what type of filter I should use? There are 2 openings on the top for power filter with a width of 13"
2. how many heaters?
3. how do I insulate during Winter considering it will be in my garage.

Thanks
Tony

[mack74]

Tony welcome

Things are gonna vary depending on the conditions around the tank. I would use a couple of filters. Like 2 canisters like fx-5 or a big ehiem and maybe a ac 500 on top. Maybe put a powerhead or 2 seeing as the tank is big. I will also depend on how many fish u stock. As far as heaters it depends on the room temp around the tank. If it is cold around the tanks you may need 2-4 250 watt heaters in the winter. If it is warmer you may need less. As far as insulating the garage someone else here should chime in as mine are all in the basement,

[Heyguy74]

I would go witha wet/dry trickle filter for a tank that size. Take a pic of whats under the tank. You may already have one. I also see no reason why you can't use the filters you already have. If you need to add another that easier nad cheaper than buying a couple.

Is the garage heated at all? If not you may have to literally insulate the entire tank. If the garage gets into the 30's or 40's at night during the winter, you are going to have a tough time keeping the tanks temperature stable. The good thing is the tank is large.

[Pete]

I think you should bring that aquarium to my house. Let me worry about the filtering :D

[dbondi]

Tony on my 220 I have 1 fluval fx-5, hydro 4 sponge filter, a hydor koralia 3 powerhead and alot of air being pumped through 2 12" air stones... it seems to be doing the job for me. Of course it also depends on what type of fish and how many. An ac110 would be a nice addition, but i think im going to add another fx5 in the future when I get alot more fish. I have 3 200w heaters and that works well

[TorontoRaptorsFan]

I would probably setup a couple of Eheim 2080 Professional 3 filters with a couple of powerheads for circulation. I was looking at wet/dry setups for my next large tank setup but opted to stick with the Eheims for ease of maintenance.

[Longstocking]

Sponges? :becky:

Seriously.... I only like sponges or trickle wet dry filters. I hate all the rest.

I would put styro around the tank and paint it ( or you could even use the light blue stuff from home depo ).... Then two titanium heaters with remotes.

[CJC]

Pete, nice!!!

Sarah,
Not that I dissagree with you, I use them both myself but, whats with the hate the others thing? I use Ehiems, Aquaclears also and love them.

[Longstocking]

The electricity to run them is a big issue to me... since I have so many tanks and the price. Also the time to clean them...

I find they create more oxygen and bio than all the rest....

[dbondi]

sarah

what do you use for mechanical filtration? just water changes?

[Longstocking]

Yup... every week ! I also do not over stock. Most think my tanks are bare :lol:

I at least try not too ! Some times they breed too often :lol:

[fischfan13]

Oh boy.
Let me entitle this post "How to Swell an Admins Head".:typing:

I have recently changed almost all of my tanks over to Sponge Filters only.
I will be changing my 125g to Sponge Filters only, as well.
Someone, she knows who she is, converted me while having a convo in Cincinnati...no such thing as "What Happens in Cincinnati Stays in Cincinnati".

I do admit that my water changes are larger because of this, but the water is crystal clear and I have had a few nice spawns over the last few weeks.

[chris1932]

I would urge you to place whatever kind of heater you get in a flow through module. It will keep the temp consistant by always having flow across the heater therefore less energy.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l286/chris1932/DSC04062.jpg

It also keeps clutter out of the tank

I made mine because i didnt like the ones you can buy, it ended up costing me about 8 bucks.

[buddha1200]

i run a fx5,60 gallon sump and ac 110 on my 265 gallon and 2 250 watt stealth heaters(one in sump one in tank)my tank is in the basement gets a little chilly down there but my tanks stay constant.