hob filter

[brady]

What is the best, economical hob filter for a 75 Gal. tank?
Jay

[GalaxyKoiBoi]

I really like the Seachem Tidal 110s. I used to have Aquaclear 110s, and while they were fine the Tidal has improved on my 2 biggest complaints with the Aquaclear - that is, the media basket and needing to prime the filter every time you turn it off or do a water change. They are also a little less expensive and IMO sleeker looking.

[jeep]

I use the Emperor 400's and I like them. I use the refillable media holder with floss instead of using the carbon filled media.

They've been replaced with the 450. It has some low reviews but I have friends who have them and they love them.

[brewmaster15]

Im in the aquaclear 110 camp. Run 2 on each of my 75 gals tanks... 3 on my 125..
Al

[bluelagoon]

I like the Aquaclear 110's also. Some hob's you're always buying cartridges and AC's are easy to clean sponges that last for years. I have an AC 110 on a 76 gal. bowfront and it is enough. Altho, I've had 2 on it in the past with bigger bioloads.

[brady]

Thank you for all the input but I think in my mind the seachem at 77$ is not too economical for me.
Any other suggestions ,maybe in the 20-30$ area.
Jay

[brewmaster15]

Jay unforunately you are going to have a hard time finding a hob that will filter a 75 gallon tank well at that price. its just not where things are today.

However.. if you want to meet that price range there is no reason why you cant make your own filter.. two options using pond pumps... one is to place the pump in the tank partition it off with a sponge wall.. and pump the water from the discus side through the sponge and the return goes back to the discus side..

2 is to make a. Sump for the tank..


A 3rd option is just use a bunch of air driven sponges..

Hth, Al

[Kirbs]

Al.....do you use air driven sponges in your 75 too? I use an Aquaclear 110 and then 2 air driven sponges in my 75.

[brewmaster15]

Hi Kirby,

I do. I use air driven sponges in all my tanks.. even the ones with power filters.. I find in my tanks it just helps clean the small particles missed by the larger pores of the power filters. It allows me to rotate cleaning filters more easily. I also tend to over stock by some standards so I like the extra filtration. I also am never short on cycled biological filter media when moving fish or starting a new tank.
Al

[jeep]

I also use sponges and HOB. Great for beneficial and water polishing.

Check some local fish groups or even Craigslist. There are many people selling used filters. Just make sure you sterilize them if you buy used.