Filter(s) for new 160 G setup

[roadracr]

Hello all! I'm in the early stages of building a 160 gallon Discus setup. The tank arrives in a couple of weeks and I've ordered an Eheim 2028 filter. For a tank of this size, I think I may need additional filter capacity and I'm thinking about a Marineland Magnum 350 and an Eheim 2217.

Total waterflow would be greater by adding the Eheim 2217 and I think it would offer more media options, however the Magnum 350 seems like a good choice, seems simpler to maintain, and is slightly cheaper ($90 vs. $120 after shopping around).

I'm just returning to this hobby after a few years sabbatical (I was never much more than a novice, though I did have a few Discus in a 29G for a few years) and I'd really appreciate your opinions, as well as recommendations on media choices between the two filters.

And, yes, I've been trolling this forum and seen a lot of related stuff, but would like some specific advice here. Thanks.

[RockHound]

No idea how you plan to set your tank up.
Or if you have room/space for a wet/dry trickle type filter & sump.

But, I am a fan of wet/dry trickle filters, with a sump.
So long as they have a open cell foam prefilter in front of them.
The biomedia is self cleaning & very little maintenance is involved.

Heaters and an extra foam filter, or 2 can be hidden in the sump.
It is nice to have a seasoned/cycled foam filter ready for a hospital tank.
if ever need be.

If you have out of sight room/space?
A large very effective wet/dry trickle filter can be built inexpensively.
A simple example built from commonplace items is pictured below.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/placer_mines/easywdtf.jpg

EDIT--to add another example of a very effective wet/dry shower type filter:
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/placer_mines/wf5.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/placer_mines/wfnewbottom.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/placer_mines/wfparts1copy.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/placer_mines/bh1.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/placer_mines/bh3.jpg

[roadracr]

Rockhound, thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I don't have the room available for an external system such as you showed and even an under tank sump is a bit out of my comfort zone. I'm probably just going to go for additional canister capacity. So, the original questions on canister type (Magnum 350 vs. Eheim 2217) and media selections remain. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[RockHound]

I would go with the biggest/best Eheim you can afford.

They are top of the line.

However, one thing no one talks much about.
Is the "puree" factor, most canister filters have.

Think for a moment.
A pump impeller blade functions, like a blender blade.
Canister filters with self contained pumps, have impellers.

They puree food/plant/fecal waste to invisible particles.
Just because you cannot see it.
Does not mean, it is not there.

That is one reason why I am not a canister filter fan.

But, if I were going with a canister filter, it would be an Eheim.

EDIT TO ADD:
Any Eheim bio media is good stuff.
The "PRO" is top of the line.