I have ordered a custom dimensioned aquarium- 54 x 12 x 11, which I will get my hands on around June 23rd. The builder recommended a canister filter (I assume the type that hangs on the outside of the tank), and since there are few people here with less experience than I have, can you all suggest a reliable unit for me to purchase? I am not looking to buy the cheapest...quality means a lot to me, within reason of course. I envision a heavily planted tank containing some Blue Spotted Sunfish, a few killies, and 3 or 4 Dwarf Sirens. Also, do you think that a UV sterilizer is a necessary piece of equipment? How about substrate suggestions?
Finally, if you think these are the last of my questions you all are sadly mistaken!!! But, I do appreciate the advice.
Thanks,
Hooper G
Canister Filter
Started by
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, Jun 06 2007 08:31 AM
11 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_NateTessler13_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 08:50 AM
I personally recommend Eheim's Canister Filters. You can order through Petsmart.com or they are available at some aquarium supplies stores. I use them and they require miminal maintenance, and you can put a variety of media in them to support any kind of filtration you desire. The filter itself is about $140 I believe. There are varying size models at different costs. The filter comes with carbon and some other media (it's been awhile since I purchased mine). Replacement parts and media are readily available online or you can find them at your local aquarium shop. There are many threads on this forum discussing what kind of substrate is recommended for a heavily planted tank. For my planted tanks I do (as I have been directed through members of this forum) a layer of moss used for gardening (not sure the name of the moss), then a layer of sand, and on top of all that, a layer of small gravel. Go deep with your substrate, it seems the deeper, the better.
#3
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 09:38 AM
I personally recommend Eheim's Canister Filters.
I don't get what the deal is with Eheims. They are silly expensive and don't deliver good flow rates. I don't buy their line about not needing a lot of flow because "more water passes through the media", or whatever. While I prefer to make my own filter systems, if I were buying one I would go with a Fluval.
#4
Guest_drewish_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 09:44 AM
You don't buy Eheim filters for their flow. You buy them because they are more efficient than other canister filters.
The type you hang on back is a power filter. I prefer canisters over power filters though. You could go with a lower end Eheim that is manual start and non-adjustable flow, like a 2215 or 2217.
The type you hang on back is a power filter. I prefer canisters over power filters though. You could go with a lower end Eheim that is manual start and non-adjustable flow, like a 2215 or 2217.
#5
Guest_killier_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 09:48 AM
I like biowheels my emperor 330 is one of my favorite filters
#6
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 09:54 AM
You don't buy Eheim filters for their flow. You buy them because they are more efficient than other canister filters.
The type you hang on back is a power filter. I prefer canisters over power filters though. You could go with a lower end Eheim that is manual start and non-adjustable flow, like a 2215 or 2217.
I wish there were a Consumer Reports type organization for aquarium equipment. I've never heard anybody say Eheims were junk, it's just that the pragmatic side of me wonders if they're worth the premium.
#7
Guest_drewish_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 10:01 AM
I wish there were a Consumer Reports type organization for aquarium equipment. I've never heard anybody say Eheims were junk, it's just that the pragmatic side of me wonders if they're worth the premium.
I've looked at a lot of reviews of Rena/Fluval/Eheim. It is pretty much the same as the car industry. They all work, but some will last you longer and are more efficient. Flow is just something they use to sell.
#8
Guest_Irate Mormon_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 10:12 AM
It wouldn't be that hard to test effectiveness. You could dose an aquarium with methylene blue or something and use a colorimeter on it after, say, an hour. You could try standardizing the results in terms of measured water flow too. If somebody had a few bucks to throw around it would be interesting. I should take up a collection.
#9
Guest_hmt321_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 12:18 PM
I use both eheim and fluval on several tanks.
fluval seems to deliver more flow (please note that i use it just as a bio-filter and co2 disperser, and i have little floss in it)
the eheims have standard "barbs" on intake and return lines and were easy for me to make modifications.
the I also like how the eheims have larger flat media trays.
fluval seems to deliver more flow (please note that i use it just as a bio-filter and co2 disperser, and i have little floss in it)
the eheims have standard "barbs" on intake and return lines and were easy for me to make modifications.
the I also like how the eheims have larger flat media trays.
#10
Guest_edbihary_*
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Posted 06 June 2007 - 05:05 PM
I had a Penguin 125 biowheel filter quit pumping several weeks ago. Because of the angle at which I usually view that tank, the hood blocked my view of the discharge. I didn't notice it wasn't flowing until the fish started acting weird. I found the filter not working, and the ammonia sky high. I got that filter working again, and added an AquaClear 70 to cycle and eventually take its place, and did a water change (per the instructions in the ammonia test kit) of course. But still, I lost a number of fish. I don't recommend the Penguin biowheel filters.I like biowheels my emperor 330 is one of my favorite filters
I know that's off topic. I have been using HOB filters. I have been meaning to start getting cannisters for my bigger tanks. So the advice here is appreciated.
#11
Guest_wolfie8000_*
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Posted 07 June 2007 - 06:43 AM
I have three fluval canisters, and have been running one for over two years with out a single problem. I have never used the eheims but have heard they are pretty good, just alittle more expensive. I try to use a canister and a hob filter on all my tanks. I use the hob filters for mechanical filtration while the canister is good for biological filtration. I really like this setup because the hob will suck up most of the debris floating around, that way I don't have to clean the canister as often.
#12
Guest_nativecajun_*
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Posted 10 June 2007 - 08:41 AM
Penguin is all I use. Never had one stop. I use in conjunction with them a good sponge filters to act as a flywheel for the benificial bacteria. I never clean the wheels of course and when I wash the filters I use the dirty water from my water change.
I have had other Hang on back filters and I go back to penguin every time. One breakage. Well if every one would get rid of a car and not use that type we would have real clean air.
Canister filters I have never used. If I were to use a different filter it would be a home made trickle filter in conjunction with sponge filter in the tank.
I have had other Hang on back filters and I go back to penguin every time. One breakage. Well if every one would get rid of a car and not use that type we would have real clean air.
Canister filters I have never used. If I were to use a different filter it would be a home made trickle filter in conjunction with sponge filter in the tank.
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