Best HOB filter for 10 gal

[fish_4_all]

I have an Aqua-Tech power filter, model 5-15 that came with a tank set-up from wally world. How does it compare to Aquaclears, Emperors and Penguins as far as filtration and performance? I want to have proper filtration because I will be using this for breeder tanks for my C. trilineatus. Is there really that much difference between the Aqua-Tech and the other brands?

[severum mama]

I chose the Aquaclear, but I really like the Penguin mini as well. The Aquaclear has a slight advantage in that it is quieter than the Penguin if that matters to you. I use a Penguin mini and Aquaclear 150 on a 20 gallon tank and both are really good HOBs. The Emperors are excellent filters (I have 3 of them), but since they only come in 2 sizes (280 [acronym:4fba4e8419="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:4fba4e8419] and 400 [acronym:4fba4e8419="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:4fba4e8419]) they would really be overkill in a 10 gallon. I haven't used the Whisper, but I have heard they aren't too great so I would be inclined not to buy one. When I had my 10 gallon tank set up I think the filter that came with it was the Aquatech, and I thought it was kind of junky. I ditched it and got my Penguin mini, which I later moved to my 20 gallon with the Aquaclear.

You can get an Aquaclear or Penguin for around $10-12 online and I think it would be a really good investment for your tank. If you don't want to mess with changing cartridges then get the Aquaclear- it comes with a big sponge that you can rinse off and use over and over. I use 2 Aquaclears and I"ve never replaced the sponges. I just rinse them in tankwater (NOT tapwater) about once a month during a water change. [acronym:4fba4e8419="Hope this helps (or) Happy to help"]HTH[/acronym:4fba4e8419]

[Toirtis]

AquaClear, for a combination of flow-rate, reliability, and media customability and volume.

[fish_4_all]

Well that's more what I needed to know. The uaquatech will work until I can get an Aquaclear. I have a planted tank so that eliminates the need for carbon, will have to remove my carbons on my undergravels as this could, and probably is why my plants don't do as well as I hoped.

My only question now, the mini or the next one up?

[RoK]

Why does a planted tank eliminate the need for carbon?

I also do not like Whisper products, I've had nothing but bad experiences with them.

[fish_4_all]

The carbon removes [acronym:f21d150f7d="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:f21d150f7d] doesn't it? I have carbon inserts still in my undergravels stacks but it could be the reason my plants don't seem to grow anywhere but on top. Am I wrong and is carbon a needed filter part for planted tank?

I read this while looking at 2 different sites looking for prices of [acronym:f21d150f7d="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:f21d150f7d] filters. They said the carbon removes [acronym:f21d150f7d="Carbon dioxide"]CO2[/acronym:f21d150f7d] so it wouldn't be needed in a plnted tank. I would be more than happy to see something explaining where and when active carbon filtration is or isn't needed.

My [acronym:f21d150f7d="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:f21d150f7d] doesn't even use them, but we both know about [acronym:f21d150f7d="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:f21d150f7d] and their sometimes not so good advice. Like being told my plants were for warm water and they weren't and the common thing of being given advice by one that is different than the next one you talk to.

Please set me straight if I am on the wrong path. By the end of the year I want to breed C. trilineatus and I want everything as good as I can get it before I get started.

[malkore]

Lets set something straight: carbon is never NEEDED all the time. Carbon serves two purposes, removing odors, and absorbing some chemicals, mainly medications. It can also absorb/trap some fine particles that discolor your water.

None of my tanks ever run carbon.

[mjkelly]

My Tank came with a whisper..BIG POS..Switched to the Aquaclear..and the water is so clear now..

[RoK]

Do you only have sponges in the filter then malkore?

[severum mama]

I don't use carbon in my Aquaclears either, unless I am removing a med or something. I just use the sponge block and the "Biomax" (little ceramic bits for the bacteria to grow on) and my water is fine. Good luck with your breeding project!