Filters for Tank and Pacu Dilemma

Question
Hi there.  I am considering purchasing a 100 gallon tank from someone (I currently have 1 common goldie in a 20 gallon, but would eventually like to have 4 or 5).  Once fully set up, I would like to be running 2 power filters and a cannister on it.  I am wondering if it's worthwhile to mix an Emperor and an Aquaclear, or just go with 2 Aquaclears?  I'm curious as to whether or not the Emperor has a superior enough Bio-filtration system to make mixing them worth it.  Also, I've been looking at the Rena can filters.  Do you have any feedback on them?  Lastly, the person who currently owns the tank has 3 Pacus in the tank, which I am not at all interested in trying to keep (Don't they grow to be like 60 pounds?  Seems like a case of the "Giant Child-Eating Catfish Looked So Cute When he was 2 Inches Long Syndrome).  How does one go about getting fish like these safely given a home?  I plan on calling my LFS when I get a chance to see if they can handle them, but are there any other options other than having the poor things die?

Answer
Hi Adam

Well let's tackle your filter question first..I prefer Bio Wheel filters in my aquariums. In my 90 gallon, I run 2 Emperor 400's on each end and an Emperor 280 in the center. In a 100 gallon with common goldfish, two AquaClear 110's would most likely be sufficient. This is really a matter of choice, but I don't use Aquaclear filters.

I also don't use canister filters in my aquariums. I had two several years ago, and at first they were great. But over time, they became extremely noisy to the point where I thought a freight train was in my fish room. (today my entire house is a fishroom) The Rena I hear is a good filter, but many I've talked to about them claim they don't provide the gph rate they claim to. You may be better off to buy a Fluval.

About the Pacu's.....I once was given a 40 gallon with 2 Red Belly Pacu's in it. I, like you wondered what to do with them when they quickly outgrew this tank as I had no space at the time for a large enough aquarium to house them.

What did I do? I released them into a private lake on my property. This was 2 years ago and they are still out there. However, and this is VERY important, I live in the south where it doesn't get as cold as it does in other parts of the country. In winter climates where it drops below 50 degrees for extended periods of time, releasing them into a lake would not be recommended. They won't survive the cold.

If these Pacu's are not very large right now, most pet stores will likely take them in on trade. Otherwise, ask your local aquatic store if they know of a place that will take them, like a local aquarium etc.

Hope this helps you, good luck!

Richard