Page 1 of 1

Filtration

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2015 4:58 pm
by Goodgardenpeas28
I'm look into getting a new filter for my mom's 75 gallon planted tank. We have a eheim canister right now that she is having more and more trouble lifting (too heavy for her). Of course this means that her tank isn't being kept clean and fitting in a 75 gallon into my cleaning schedule is a little hard. Does anyone know of a lighter alternative, perhaps something easier to carry and maintain? Would she be better off not having a canister? Would an HOB be anywhere near enough filtration? She considering getting rid of the tank at this point because she cant clean it properly and I would hate to see our loaches go but I have 3 other tanks to take care of. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Re: Filtration

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 3:31 am
by Bas Pels
While alternatives for an Eheim excist, they will ultimately be more or less the same size. After all, one needs a certain size of filter to filter a certain size of tank.

But an alternative could be using 2 small filters instead of 1 large one. Basically this will do the same filtration, but each one will weigh less. Perhaps this is a solution?

I also have a mother who can not lift much, and her shopping is done in 2 or 3 go's (luckily the shops are not far, she walks)

Re: Filtration

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:52 pm
by Diana
Ditto the 'use 2 smaller filters' concept.
The weight of a canister is not the box itself, but the water. No matter what model you get, to get the filtration the tank needs requires a certain volume of sponges, floss etc. By dividing this amount of media between 2 filters, then each can be smaller, so less water weight.

Other option:
If the tank is high enough, can the filter be placed in a more accessible spot, perhaps high enough up so that Mom can turn it off, open it, and partially drain the water by siphoning it into a bucket?
Then rinse the media in the bucket, and use a fountain pump to dump the dirty water in the garden, sink or bathtub.

Also, the python and related systems are very helpful with water changes.