Filter question

[beglely]

Finally got my 55g and im beginning to set it up. I am unsure what type of filter to get for it though. It came with an undergravel but i was leaning more towards a HOB filter (dont really want to dish out a hundred bucks for a canister). Any brand or type that you guys recommend? I am planning on a freshwater setup that is unplanted, although I might change that in the future.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I'd go with a canister but since you are not wanting to go that route, I'd look at the AquaClear line. Best hob filter IMO.

 

[asudavew]

The large filter at Walmart does just fine, and is cheap.

Aquatech 30-60 - Less than $40.

Depending on your bio load, it may be handy to add another later... when your fish get bigger.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

If you want some good info on canister filters, check out my thread

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f60/which-canister-filter-should-i-choose-113632.html

You could spend as little as $70 on a Cascade through Big Al's Online store (google it), I'm going with the 1200 myself...

 

[beglely]

okay thanks for the suggestions. I might go the canister route anyway and just wait a little longer to set up the tank but we will see

 

[musicman]

What about using the undergravel filter in addition to whatever filter you choose?

 

[beglely]

Well I was hoping to use a sand bottom for this tank since I plan on putting a few loaches and catfish in this tank and had read that sand will clog your undergravel filter. Otherwise i would use it for this tank

 

[Joetoyc]

canister

I'm not sure how handy you are, but i just built a canister filter and bought enough filter medium to last me a year for less than a hundred. And, now that it is running, I'm seeing a few design flaws which, if I had see then earlier, i probably could have saved a few bucks. All in all it took me about 4 hours to build. I used a 2' long piece of 4'' sch 40 PVC (It is acutally a little longer because of the cap and clean out), a stick of 1/2'' PVC, a handfull of fittings, a few valves and unions, and it is up a running.

 

[asudavew]

I'm not sure how handy you are, but i just built a canister filter and bought enough filter medium to last me a year for less than a hundred. And, now that it is running, I'm seeing a few design flaws which, if I had see then earlier, i probably could have saved a few bucks. All in all it took me about 4 hours to build. I used a 2' long piece of 4'' sch 40 PVC (It is acutally a little longer because of the cap and clean out), a stick of 1/2'' PVC, a handfull of fittings, a few valves and unions, and it is up a running.

I'd sure like to see some pics or plans!

 

[beglely]

ill do some research in diy and see how it goes