Another Canister Filter Question Thread

[h2oskierc]

I have a 20 Gallon Tall tank, stocked with 3 guppies, 5 Neon Tetras and 2 Electric Blue Rams. Currently it is filtered by two HOB filters, Marineland Penguin 100B and an Aqueon QuietFlow 20. I am thinking I may want to switch to a canister filter, is that overkill for a 20 Gallon Tank? It is low light, and planted with some java fern and anubias.

The biggest reason I want to do this is to keep the water as clean as possible for those EBRs. Is a canister filter overkill for that size tank? What features should I look for? Is a UV sterilizer important?

I do hope to get a larger tank some day, and it would probably replace the 20, as we don't have a large home.

Also, would I then need some form of aeration to get oxygen into the water?

 

[mfdrookie516]

They make small canister filters... fort had one on his 5g cube. I'd get a rena xp2, fluval 305, or eheim 2224. I've used both a 305 and 2224 on a 20 long with no flow issues.

 

[bry1105]

I use a Marineland C-360 for my 46 gal bowfront. They also make a C-160 which would work for your size aquarium. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16744 While I was researching canister filters, I saw some negative reviews on these but I don't see why. I've had nothing but a pleasant experience with them. Word of advice if you do decide on a canister, don't buy the pre-packaged carbon bags. You'll spend half the money if you fill your own media bags.