aquatop canister filters?

[ashleynicole]

I am considering purchasing one of these for my 55 gallon freshwater planted tank. I was intrigued by the built in UV filter. I was looking at this one...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004GJ43EK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1365693107&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

I had previously intended to buy a fluval but wound up getting an AC 70 given to me that iust recently died. (It was old to begin with) I could get replacement parts but they are almost as much as a new filter and hi really want a canister

The fluvals are expensive and I would have to buy a 206 or 306 is the most I can afford. The aquatop I can afford has more gph plus the uv light built in. I just don't know if anyone has any experience with the aquatop and all the reviews on amazon aren't the most reliable.

 

[ashleynicole]

Anybody?

 

[Sillyfishies]

Make a DIY one. Uarujoey has a good video on it.

 

[ashleynicole]

I really don't have time nor desire to make a DIY. I have 2 kids and work 50-60hrs a week. Something functional and easy to maintain is what I need. I have a nice water changer that makes cleaning my tank quick and easy, low light plants and a very low biolaod... I really just want to buy a filter.

 

[Slade]

It doesn't have reputation of eheim or fluval, but I've never heard bad reviews of it. It should be plenty of filtration for a 55 Gallon.
eBay sun sun is comparable. Sunsun HW 304B 5 Stage Aquarium External Canister Filter w 9W UV Sterilizer 525G | eBay

 

[ashleynicole]

I think I am going with fluval. I don't want something to burn out in a year

 

[ashleynicole]

I ordered the fluval 306

 

[blizowman1]

Sometimes my AC70 stops working that's when I know it's time to pot the motor off and clean the impeller and done inside the motor where it sits and it usually works like new

 

[ashleynicole]

Yeah no, I've owned aquaclear hobs for more than 10 years. This one is about that old and it be dead... lol

 

[ashleynicole]

Plus I like that fluval and aquaclear are made by the same people so I know I have customer service back up... etc

 

[ashleynicole]

Omg got the fluval set up this weekend and I am so glad I spent a little more. I can tell it is quality built and the 3 year warranty is awesome. This thing packs a punch. It's my first canister filter and Its like a river in my tank but the fish I have all seem to love it. Wish I had a way to distribute the outflow a little though. I don't want to reduce the flow because that reduces gph of filtration.

 

[MMantelli]

You could always go with a wavemaker or a powerhead and if you have plants they can hide it.

 

[gravereaper0]

Get a spray bar for the output.

 

[ashleynicole]

Get a spray bar for the output.

Any tips on what kind to buy? I was thinking of making one out of pvc but it would be hard to hide

 

[gravereaper0]

Hagen makes a kit, but if you want a DIY version and don't want it to be too obvious you can paint it with acrylic paint or buy clear PVC tubing. Acrylic might be easier to find.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=370782289520&index=12&nav=SEARCH&nid=16620908616