Opinions needed on best canister filter under $80

[Ketso]

I am in the process of putting together my very first tank. A 55 gallon community freshwater with live plants and low to mid lighting. I have decided on my fish and a few of the plants and am now looking at filtration.

I have been advised that a canister filter would be good for my situation. However, I don't have the budget for a high dollar Eheim unit. therefore, I am here asking you. What is the best canister filter for under $80? I realize that this is based very much on opinions. But opinions is all I can base this decision on really.

Here are links to the 4 in the poll above (all at Big Als):
Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals RENA Filstar XP 2 Canister Filter
Marineland H.O.T. Magnum - 250 G.P.H.
Marineland Magnum 350 Micron Filter

If you know of another, by all means, let me know. I need to come to some sort of conclusion on a filter fairly soon.

Thanks for any and all input!

 

[JDogg]

Eheim

 

[Ketso]

I would be interested in an Ehiem. Just show me one under $80.

 

[neilanh]

I have the Filstar XP3 and am highly impressed with it. I have heard the same stories about the XP2. I think, however, if you could get the extra $20 and get the XP3 you would be much happier on that 55. I'm running mine on a 46.

 

[piranha]

Get the Eheim clone - Odyssea CFS-4 ( formerly Jebo 828). It has all the features of the Eheim pro 2026 and IMO performs just as well. I've got mine 2 years now without any problems. I paid $39.99 new at superfishstore.com Eheim fans think there is nothing like an Eheim. Get an Odyssea and see why Eheim is overpriced. It's a 4 stage filter with all media included,push-primer,no-bypass feature. Few have said they only wished the shutoff valves on the Jebo swiveled like Eheim. I find it is not important at all. There are other online stores that sell the Odyssea. Aquatraders.com is another. If you do a search you'll come up with others.

 

[ladycage]

i have a jebo 838 on my 75 gallon FW planted tank. I got mine off ebay with a heater and powerhead for $65.