Thinking About A 75 Gallon Aquarium, Need Advice

[Pioneer]

I was thinking about a 75 gallon. I really don't know a whole lot about this though. I had some goldfish as a kid, but that's pretty much it. I wanted to get some Firemouth Cichlid. I know it's best to keep them with other Central American Cichlids as they can be aggressive. About how many do you guys think I could keep in that size tank? I was thinking maybe 3 Firemouths, 2 Convicts, some Tiger Barbs and a Catfish.

I'm not quite sure what kind of filter to buy either. Undergravel, Bio wheels, etc. I really don't know which is better. If someone could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[Corleone]

Undergravel filters don't get used as much anymore. Biowheels are generally hang-on-back filters, which are suitable for most small to mid sized tanks (the downside of biowheels over other hanging filters is that if they stop turning, or the power goes out, some of your bacteria will dry out and likely die).

For a 75 gallon, I'd suggest investing the extra in a canister filter, for their much greater media capacity. It could well cost more than the tank, but the filter is the most important piece of the setup. I currently have two hanging filters on my 55 gallon, and while they handled the bioload, they didn't keep the water as clear as I'd like, so I've been in the market for a canister to replace them.

 

[kj23502]

For better info on the firemouths post in the new world cichlids section

I agree w/the above statement about canister filters

I'm downgrading my cichlid tank to a 75 gallon and I'll have my 2 Eheim Pro II's on it. If you don't want to spend the $ on a new one, keep your eye out for second hand. Mine were second hand and I feel I got a really good deal.

I'd give you info about those fish except that I don't know anything about them. Mine are african cichlids.

And make sure to spend time reading the pinned topics at the top of the new to hobby section. There's a lot of good info there. Make sure you understand about fishless cycling as it's tons better for the fish.