Hardware for 72G Tank

[jaywings19]

I'm getting a 72G bow front tank in the near future. Just trying to plan exactly what hardware I should purchase with the tank.

This is my first "large" tank (as you can see by my signature below), so I don't know what to look for and/or avoid.

Power Filter
Are either of these good quality?

Tetratec PF500 Power Filter
Marineland Emperor 400 Filter System (with bio wheel)

Heater
Any suggestions?

What other hardware might I need for a 72G freshwater tank?

 

[Mogo]

72 gallon bow front? Sounds like an ALL GLASS to me

I have the same tank, if in fact you are getting the AG, and this is what I have for hardware.

My heater is a 150 watt Ebo Jager. For filtration, I have an Eheim 2215 external cansiter. I have split the output and have added an extra spray bar so I can have one on both sides of the tank. This way I have enough surface aggitation on both sides of the tank. You may even want consider going one size up, all depends on how you plan to stock the tank. For lighting I have a 48" Aqua Glo, and since it is a cichlid tank, I also have a 30" marine glow.

 

[Curtiss]

Well, if you go with the Tetratec PF500 definitely go with the internal heating module. It does a very good job. However, I do not recommend this filter if you are looking for something quiet. This filter agitates the water quite a bit and the tidal flow system makes quite a bit of noise. On the plus side the built in heating module is great and the filter does a superb job at filtration.

I don't have any experience with the Emperor but I do have a Penguin and it is quieter than the Tetratec. It does a good job at filtration also and the bio wheel probably works better for bacterial growth than the tidal flow sponge chamber in the Tetratec.

-Curtiss

 

[jaywings19]

Thanks for the replies! I don't think I'm going to get a canister filter... this is just going to be a non-planted freshwater tank (not cichlids except maybe 1 or 2 angels).

I'm leaning towards the Emperor right now because I have experience with the Marineland products and bio wheel.

Any suggestions on heaters? Do you have heaters with the dial setting or the digital ones with the external setting controller?