F8 tank filter questions...

[EtherealWI]

Hi all, I've been running around this site for a while now but this is my first post, as most things I have found plenty of info to answer my questions...
We have been wanting to start a puffer tank for quite a while now and got a pretty good deal on a 44gal. pentagon corner kit so I'm trying to get it setup and cycling, going for 2 F8s and possibly some other fish if anyone has any suggestions (yes, I know, not recommended, but I think we have the space to pull it off, hopefully)... So, the kit came with a Emperor 280 filter which I know isn't powerful enough (and it's loud) so I was thinking of running a canister filter, or a combination of the 2... Now, I went out looking at canisters tonight and am not totally sure the differences between them all, but I'm considering 4. Personally, I like the Eheim Ecco 80 (185/hr), or the Classic 2215 (164g/hr), but their flow rates aren't as high as the Fluval 70G or Rena 75G, 260 and 300g/hr respectively. The LFS also has a used Eheim Classic 2217 for $110, but it doesn't have any of the tubing and I don't want to order it, so it's an option as well. Even at that, I'd still need to use the PF right? Also, if I need to use a canister and a power filter, is there a way to keep sand out of the power filter? I've been running it without the extention to keep it rather high right now, but would like it closer to the sand to clean that up some. I'm pretty much starting from scratch again since I didn't rinse the sand well enough, so I'm just going to flush the tank a few times to clear up the cloudiness. Sorry, now I'm rambling, but I'm sure everyone sees what I'm getting at.

So far...
Substrate: Samoa pink sand
SG: 1.008
Temp: 80
At least that's what I'm getting done tonight...

[Boxermom]

Welcome. Personally I use and love the Rena XP canisters. They're just as good as the Eheims and are a lot cheaper.

[Pufferpunk]

My 1st method of filtration would be a HOB filter. I prefer Aquaclear. Then if you wish, you could back it up with a canister. Unless you plan on cleaning it out weekly. How will you remove the mechanical waste?

[CoreyK]

On my 45g (soon to be a 36g corner), I run a filtered powerhead to help with mechanical filtration, and an Eheim 2213 canister. Works awesome.

[Pufferpunk]

How often do you clean the canister?
What are your nitrates?

[EtherealWI]

I see your point as far as a HOB being easier to clean, how often would I need to clean out the canister? I found a pretty good deal on a Rena xP4, which appeared to be able to handle the bioload on it's own. If I have to take it apart weekly though I would rather use my HOB with a smaller canister, like a Ecco80 or xP2, the HOB should help with aeration too in that case, correct? I just started my cycling about 8 hours ago so I assume the nitrates are 0, just using my Emperor 280 until I decide on a filter.

[Pufferpunk]

Yes, the HOB will agitate the surface of the water, making O2 exchange. I don't know how often you'd need to clean it, since I run Aquaclears on all my tanks & add a canister onto tanks >40g.

[Myaj]

Of the cannisters, I prefer the Filstar line the most. The Eheim line is pretty expensive, granted reliable, but you can get a much larger, better cannister from Filstar for the same price. Fluvals are nice too, but personally mine gives me nothing but trouble with starting the siphon/prime and I don't like the media layout.

If the noise isn't that big of a deal to you, go with the HOB Aquaclears. If it is, then I'd get the Filstar.