Filters

[exodus]

I've got a (currently) lightly planted tank, which over the next few weeks I hope to heavily plant. I just upgraded the stock lighting to 2.5wpg which means I'm probably going to eventually need some CO2 injection.

I understand that any filter with a biowheel is out because it causes the CO2 to gas off, so what would be a good filter for a 55g?

I've got the stock filter that came with the kit right now, which is (I think) an Aqua-Tech 50-70 or something like that. I'm looking for a second filter.

Suggestions? Aquaclear 110?

I'd also rather not shell out the $$$ for a canister filter.

 

[rich311k]

You could replace it with a cannister. They are very plant freindly and the only choice for a tank 55 and larger in my opinion.

 

[exodus]

You could replace it with a cannister. They are very plant freindly and the only choice for a tank 55 and larger in my opinion.

They're also ~$50 more than a HOB unit, correct?

 

[rich311k]

This would do the job. Little bit more money but not obscene, but yes 50 or so more.

 

[mr funktastic]

well u can find that product cheaper on another site then call big als and get them to price match and knock of 5%. u will end up paying more but a filter is more appropiate for a tank that size and better for a planted tank.

 

[mrzap]

I price matched my fluval 204 from bigals to drfostersmith. Bigals pricematched no problem. I really like the filter.

In the long run you may end up saving money with the canister because you won't have to replace filter media as much as with a HoB

 

[Thebluyak]

yeah big als had the XP3 on sale for 94 dollars

 

[malkore]

I'd run an XP2 on a 55gal. XP3 would work, but if the cost is a big deal an XP2 will do the job too.

 

[kaz]

xp3

 

[exodus]

well, seeing as im trying to keep the cost down to save up for a CO2 system, does it have to be a canister?

not all of us have money growing on trees

 

[bzbee]

Hi there, you're basically trying to avoid too much surface agitation, as that leads to out-gassing, which you're trying to avoid if you just spent $200+ injecting CO2 I actually don't get much surface agitation from my Aqua Clear 30 in my 10G low-light planted, but then I don't inject CO2 in that tank either. I use ~1ml Flourish Excel daily instead. Avoid Biowheels. I remember reading that you lose 60% of injected CO2 if you use them with CO2 injection, or something to that effect. I think as long as you keep the water level constantly high such that the water doesn't have a huge drop, you'll probably be okay. Incidentally, I suspect that 2.5wpg is going to require CO2 injection sooner rather than later! Otherwise you're more than likely looking at big time algae problems. I speak from personal experience:< I use a Jebo 828 cannister that I got for $60 off Ebay on my 75G planted and it worked pretty well. I think it's worth saving up for. Good luck!

 

[Lonewolfblue]

For a 55G, either the XP2 or XP3 would work good. And the XP2 still has a decent amount of space for biomedia as well.

 

[Andyvette]

XP2. Save yourself the money. Go to craigslist and look for cannister filters there also... that might help? But a cannister filter is definately a plus... once you use it, you wont go back. I have a biowheel and like that on my 30 gal, but it also is a low light tank w/ no CO2

 

[Thebluyak]

yeah I optied for the XP3 over the XP2, its not much more and when you upgrade tanks you wont have to get another filter, plus you can pack a ton of bio media and add extra polishing and foam pads. Cause with a planted tank you want to get rid of the carbon.

 

[exodus]

Well, I dont plan on upgrading tanks for a long time. I'm 18 and living at home, so I cant see a bigger tank coming into my future until I have my own apartment or house.

I guess I'll stick with the stock filter (Aqua-Tech) until I can save up enough for an XP2 or XP3, because it seems to be favored by far over all the HOBs.

 

[noncentric]

I guess I'll stick with the stock filter (Aqua-Tech) until I can save up enough for an XP2 or XP3, because it seems to be favored by far over all the HOBs.

Sounds like a great plan...I've heard some people finding great deals on craigslist and EBay, so you may want to do a few searches at those sites too.

Good luck!