I am going to be setting up my 180g tank and was wondering if you all had a specific brand of filtration that was the best or better than others. Do I need to be more concerned when looking for a filter (i am thinking of a canister type) in regards to the aquarium size (up to whatever amount) or the max flow (example 435gph). Reading on this site I read that the flow should match x2 of the gallons of water in the tank. Which would mean if I am right, 360gph for my 180g tank. Some of the canister filters I have seen that would match the gph does not match the gallons of the fish tank. Not sure if this all makes sense. Just want to be sure to buy the right filtration for my 180 so my O's will be happy and in a clean tank.

mishime wrote:


Fluval Fx5 would probably be your best bet if your looking for a external canister, 2300 l/h and can be used for aquariums up to 400g. Also reasonaly priced!

It would be very easy to get confused when talking about how much filtration you need. However, the easiest way to go about deciding how much filtration you want is to look at how many gallons your tank is, then look at the different type of canisters there are, check what they are rated for, and then go from there. For example, I had a 125 gallon tank, I had two Eheim 2028 canisters on it, each canister was rated up to 132 gallons, absolutely perfect filtration. It's easy to choose filtration without getting confused. Just check out the specification of each filter.

Is it better to have one large canister filter such as the FX5 or have two smaller canisters? I don't want to spend my whole weekends cleaning tanks and multiple filters. But I know oscars are very dirty. It will be interesting to see who poops more, the oscars or my turtles....LOL

the easiest way to figure filtration for your tank is to have a flow rate of 4-5 times your total gallonage. since you are setting up a 180 gallon tank you should look for a filter that flows somewhere between 800 - 1000 gallon per hours. also you should look for a filter that is rated for twice the volume of the tank you are putting it on. using your setup therefore you should look to a filter that is rated for somewhere between 360 - 400 gallons.

the choice to use one or two filter is up to you. personally i have a 180 gallon tank and i found the fx5 to be adequate for my filtration needs. but this is just my opinion......

I would go for two FX5s on a 180 gallon..

Ok Staffie, how about a comprimise, one Fx5 and one Filstar xp2 (I already have this, it was on my 55)

Good compromise.... You will LOVE the FX5!

mishime wrote:


That would be a cheaper option yes...and will cover your tank nicely.

Lee Edge wrote:


Reasonably priced.....if you steal one!

well for a filter that could handle a 400g, around £130 isnt so bad.