Hi, I am Aqua Clear all the way. I have a 200 on my 25, it came with that as a complete kit. If I were to have bought one it would have been the 300 for this tank.
But I have never had any problems with any of my
AC filters, they even still have the main parts from day one. My 25
gal is 15 yrs old now.
As for the basket and the over flow, when you go to put in the basket after cleaning etc make sure your water flow is turned to the low side. In other words if you are looking at it make sure it is all the way to the right side, that slows down the water flow. Once it is in place return it to the left side for max water flow.
AC filters let you put in more media like already mentioned, another thing you can do to extend the intake is to put two intakes together. I have done this and it works okay.
If you ever have any baby fry in the tank, take a Aquar Clear "mini" foam for the mini filters, cut a hole in the middle deep enough to fit over the intake stem and it still filters great but does not suck up baby fry
Good luck in which ever you choose....bugsy