Canister filter recommendations for 4 ft Fahaka tank

[Magnum-]

Hi guys,

I've recently set up a 4" x 2" x 2" tank for my 4inch Fahaka puffer. He is really small right now but he is eventually going to reach a full length of 18 inches. So i'm preparing a 120 gallons tank for him.

He will be having this entire tank to himself so it won't be heavy on bioload. However, he can be quite a messy eater so i still got to get him a decent filter.

I'm tight on budget and i'm planning on getting him a suitable canister filter within my budget. (<$120 including filter media)

Anyone has any recommendations for a canister filter that suits my budget and the tank needs? Any info regarding filter model, where to buy and of course the price would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

Regards,
Magnum

[benny]

Hi Magnum,

I've started a WTB thread for you in the marketplace and removed the advertisement in the above post.

As for your setup, it's good that you are planning effective filtration for your fauna. Personally, I would split up the filtration in two parts.

Part 1 - Over Head filter for mechanical filtration. Bi-weekly maintenance can be easily done just by throwing away the filter wool media and replacing it. Water inlet for this unit should be placed as low as your substrate would allow for effective clearance of fish waste.

Part 2 - Canister filter for biological filtration. Water inlet should be placed closer to the top, if possble, with a sponge over inlet. Maintenance for the sponge inlet would be together with the bi-weekly change of filter wool. Nothing major, just a few squeeze and the sponge has to be replaced every 3-6 months.

With a setup like that, it's relatively easy maintenance as you don't really have to wash any thing. Just pack and throw.

Both items can be purchased used and budget can be kept low. Hope that helps.

Cheers,

[Magnum-]

Thanks Benny for the valuable advice and the WTB post.

I've thought about it and will be getting a Hang on top filter for mechanical and a Canister filter for biological filtration. Hmm, i wonder if the inlet pipes for hang on top filter would be long enough to reach the bottom of the tank.

Also i've a question about getting a substrate for my puffer. My fahaka is quite the burrower but i have an issue getting the tank substrate cleaned because my new tank would be 170cm high. Its going to be difficult to scoop up the debris and waste. Any ideas on how to go about keeping the tank substrate clean? or should i just go w/o substrate?

Regards,
Magnum

[riccia]

Hi Magnum

I think Benny is recommending a Over-Head Filter instead of a Hang-On Filter. You should be able to put the OHF power head close to the bottom of your tank with the extension of the hose. Unless you have make up your mind to use HOF instead which I think the "pipes" might not be long enough.

[eddyq]

Atmen canister filter is cheap, less than your budget. You can extend the outlet pipe to reach the bottom. Lapis sand is ideal substrate.