55g Filter

[Rhino]

So we are fixing to move into our first house and I am going to start setting up my 55 gallon tank. I have struggled about what to do filter wise. Should I just get two aquaclear 70's or maybe a fluval 205 or 305? I am stumped on this. A friend suggested a 10 or 20 gallon sump...which I know nothing about. Mine is freshwater and I thought sumps were for salt. Please help.

 

[carey]

You can have a sump for freshwater but a canister or aquaclear hob would be my vote. I would go to the fluval 405 at least though and if you go AC I'd get the 110. Filter manufacturers over rate their gph , you don't usually get what they say you will after accounting for media.

 

[Rhino]

So would I be better getting two of the ac70's or one of the ac 110? How big of a sump would I need

 

[carey]

A sump is recomended to be I think 20% of tank volume. So not a very big one. I would go with one Ac110. makes life real simple and a lot less expensive.

 

[Rhino]

Cool dealio. I like the look of a canister but it seems real expensive.

 

[carey]

Youre looking at $150 i think for the fluval 405 on amazon.com

And maybe $70 I think for the AC. I could be a little high on that figure too

 

[Rhino]

How much would a sump run?

 

[carey]

If you did yourself, maybe $100-$150. Youd need the sump tank, hoses, an overflow box, media/refugium contents and a return pump

 

[Rhino]

Ok...to much work lol. I will just buy an ac.

 

[Rhino]

I just want to make sure this is correct before I spend money. You think a single 110 would be better than dual ac 70 right. Its confusing to me to figure out which ones would be best. : (

 

[carey]

The 70's are kinda big, i have one on my 20g. If it were me, I'd be getting the 110. Although some people will argue that a dual running filter system is a good idea. ie: when you clean it you can rotate and if one goes down you still have the other. It's for you to decide which options you want.

Do you want just a single filter to deal with and a cheaper price tag or do you want the security of having the second filter running?

 

[Rhino]

I understand now. Thanks for your help carey...awesome tanks btw.

 

[spoonman]

I would also consider a Rena XP3 or Ehiem 2215. Canisters are out of the way other than the hoses too.