Filters

[spartoecus]

My filter came with the tank and it needs to go. It's rather noisy and takes a very long time to filter out the tank whenever there is a disturbance. (adding a plant)

Any recommendations for a good ten gallon filter?

Are there any reliable DIY filters?

[exodon king]

Depending on your stock go with either an AC20 or AC30. I have never used anything smaller than an AC30 on a 10g tank.

[exodon king]

Alternatively there are DIY options ranging from a simple sponge or box filter to a powerehead attachment of sorts. Or even a full on DIY wet/dry. But that's a bit of an overkill for a 10g tank.
Can't go wrong with the AquaClear30 though.

[mgamer20o0]

aquaclear with out questions.

[gheitman]

I've used a number of different power filters through the years including Tetra, Marineland and now Hagen. I prefer the AquaClear because of the flexibility in the media options (I usually do without the carbon and add a second sponge). I currently use the AC20 on a 10g tank and the AC50 on a 29g tank. Most of my 10g tanks actually have sponge filters on them. They are relatively maintenance-free, great for raising fry and very inexpensive.

[spartoecus]

thanks for the input everyone.

i'd prefer a DIY just because it's fun and possibly cheaper but it looks like aquaclear is the way to go.

Is 100 gph really high? i'm looking for something pretty powerful. i've got aquasoil in there so it tends to get pretty cloudy when i clean the tank.

[jsoong]

Originally Posted by spartoecus

Is 100 gph really high? i'm looking for something pretty powerful. i've got aquasoil in there so it tends to get pretty cloudy when i clean the tank.

Not unless you are keeping betta ... I normally run a HOT Magnum on my 10 gal QT, that is 250 gph.

I think your best bet is the AC 30. Get a bigger filter than rated as the rating is rather optimistic. You will be lucky to get 50% of the rate flow when you fill the filter up with media & it is clogged with a bit of debris.

[partypalooza5]

If it's a planted tank you could make a mini DIY canister. (if your into that sort of thing)

[spartoecus]

yeah definitely is. Any suggestions for something that's worked well in the past? I'll poke around on my own but if you have plans that work please pass them on.

also. What sites do you guys use to get your stuff. the one i've used in the past has a 35 dollar min.

[gheitman]

I would recommend either DrsFosterSmith.com or Big Als Aquarium Supplies. I buy from both myself because they each have better deals on certain things.

Originally Posted by spartoecus

also. What sites do you guys use to get your stuff. the one i've used in the past has a 35 dollar min.