What filter do I buy for 300 gal tank

[MWS]

Hey guys... I'm looking for your suggestions. I'm setting up a new 300-gal cichlid aquarium in my living room (so it's a display tank, not for a fishroom). How should I filter it? Be specific, please, and let me know what you think. THANKS!

[joe_jaskot]

Does the tank have built in overflows? Is it drilled? Do you want to use a wet/dry filter? Canisters?

[paronaram]

After extensive research and advice from PRO's @ ECC. I can tell you this.
The most quite setup can be done by using canister filter!
I think for 300G tank, get FX5 and 404 or 405 and you should be set.

Thanks.

[zcfish]

For big tanks, sump is the only option IMO.

I filter my 325g tank using a 75g sump. (I am limited with only one drain in this tank otherwise I would have used two sumps one on each end.) I run two 1400 gph pumps. ACTUAL flow is 2000gph in the tank. I will tell you that I have so much flow in the tank I never have to vacuum the substrate.

I have used both Eheim and FX5 canisters and now I don't have any of them. The flow is overrated. If I have to go this route I will use three FX5's. But compare to sump you will have three big intakes in the tank plus two heaters and much more painful to maintain. For a traditional sump, you simply replace the pre-filter pad (takes 30 seconds for me and no mess).

[dsap92]

either (2) FX5's or a sump system. Both will be quiet since it is your living room, and both would do the job. I do agree that the sump would be easier to clean, but I only clean my FX5's every 4 months, and even then they are not that dirty.

[murdock314]

i think running a sump is the most economical way to filter a large tank, and you can configure it however you like. I run a 55 i converted into a wet/dry on my 180 in conjuntion with a canister that only has sponge media in it to catch all the suspended detritus. (also have 3 modded tunze 6025 to keep the debris in suspension.) I had an fx5 and wasnt impressed at all. If you break down the filter once a month and its not dirty then its not doing its job. Ehiem and dare i say it, rena xp4 are the only canisters i run.

[zebra7]

Well said Murdock, if a filter isn't dirty it's not doing it's job. That is why I love
My Ehiems. For a 300 gallon tank though follow Zcfish advice, sump with plenty of water movement, and of course plenty of bio-meda, preferbly bio-balls. When maintaining large aquariums with heavy fish load it's the best way to go.

[MWS]

I feel a lot better now about my own dilemma regarding wet/dry sump vs canister having read your opinions. I think I want to go with the Marineland Deep Dimension 300-gal aquarium (72" x 36" x 27"). This tank comes pre-drilled with two corner overflows. I know I can run with either canisters or sump - or both. Thanks for your opinions!

[fischfan13]

Matt, whatcha going to put in that monster tank?

[bassgenie]

+1 on the sump. Or maybe a pond filter? The Eheim 2260 (Ecco Line) should do the trick. Thats a lot of water to move. Id want to use more than one type of filtration. Pair of Pro 5 Sponges, Powerheads with prefilters, plus the 2260. But the Sump would be best in my opinion. This all depends on the Bio Load...

[MWS]

Cichlids - of course - but I'm torn between African and American... Right this minute, I'm leaning towards mbuna with a major rockwork centerpiece.

[CrabbyMatty]

Hey Matt, that centerpiece I sold you is going to look a little small in that tank. I have a small cliff for sale. Are you interested? :becky: