Questions on filters

Hey all, this is my first post on fishtanktv.com and I apologize if I am going over anything that has been covered on another post, but I have some pretty specific questions.

I currently have a 45 gallon planted tank (36 x 12 x 24) and it has been running for a little over 2 months now. The filter that originally came with the tank is an Aquaclear 300, which after some research found that it is just like the current Aquaclear 70. That being said I don't feel that it is doing a sufficient job filtering my tank. I want to get a canister filter on it, but here is my dilemma. My girlfriend's parents are giving me their 100 gallon acrylic tank they have had for 12 years and never filled! I currently live in a second floor condo and can't have a tank that large, however in March we will be moving into a house. So the dilemma is do I buy a filter for the 45 now with the intent on merging it with a second filter on the 100 or do I buy a filter meant for my 45 and then deal with the 100 when I get to fill it? Am I better running one big filter, like a Fluval FX5, on the 100 or two smaller filters? Any preference on brand (Fluval, Eheim, Marineland)? This is all where I am at a loss as I am still fairly new to the hobby.

Thanks for the help!

Side note. I currently use Eco Complete as my substrate, but plan on dirting my 100.

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on November 1, 2011 at 1:59pm

I have a 70 on my 46 and it works great. At first I also wanted to ditch it and get a canister. Once the tank became established the water has been crystal clear. I'd give it a while longer before getting a new canister. Then again, if you are planning on getting an FX5 you might as well do it. No HOB can compete with that level of filter.

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Permalink Reply by Hmoobthor on November 1, 2011 at 4:02pm

you do more work than you will have to....

just wait till you move and save those buck for a canister...you will need it.

A canister filter really depend on what brand you like ....you can't go with any of the top canister.

I always like the ideal of running one canister filter rather than two HOB as this save energy and money. Plus it does the job twice or triple the work.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on November 1, 2011 at 6:47pm

Thanks for the replies! I was fortunate enough to find an FX5 brand new with media for $200 on ebay. Hopefully will be here in a couple of days. Should I go ahead and set it up on my 45 for now or just hang on to it until I can set-up the 100?

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Permalink Reply by Hmoobthor on November 1, 2011 at 8:10pm

run it until you move and then transfer it onto the 100g and your fish will be ready to go into it instantly.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on November 1, 2011 at 8:13pm

Awesome! Thanks Hmoobthor. That's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on November 1, 2011 at 8:18pm

Speaking of moving. If I run the filter on my 45 until I move then do I need to worry about transferring most of my water as well or will I just be able to fill the 100 at the new location and run the filter for a day and then add the fish?

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Permalink Reply by Dylan Roach on November 1, 2011 at 10:28pm

The beneficial bacteria doesn't live in the water column. It lives in the gravel (known as mulm) and in the filter media. When you move, as long as the filter media is wet, you won't lose a significant amount of bacteria.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on November 2, 2011 at 12:19am

That's awesome. I wasn't looking forward to having to move some of the water. I hate moving.

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Permalink Reply by Hmoobthor on November 2, 2011 at 12:00pm

yup..

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Permalink Reply by Adam Carbary on November 6, 2011 at 10:56pm

Got the FX5 all set-up yesterday! This filter is awesome so far. My fish have been much more active today then normal and the tank looks way better without a filter hanging off it. Thanks again for the replies and advice.