Filter recommendation

[jevousdeteste]

I just got a 46 gal for Christmas, and I was wondering which brand of canister filters that you guys would recommend? I was going to go with a Fluval 304, but if there are any other recommendations, I'd appreciate hearing them. TIA

 

[Jchillin]

I happen to like the Fluval. Have you checked Big Al's for prices?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

The Fluval is pretty good. Another good one is the Filstar XP2. Or if you want to go with a biowheel, the Emperor 280 is a good filter. They are all good.

 

[RoK]

I don't think the 280 would be enough filtration for that size tank. If going with an emperor, you should get the 400.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I would choose a Cascade 1000. Then again, that's all I own (2x 1000, 1x 1200)

 

[Lonewolfblue]

The Emperor 280 works for tanks up to 50G. The 400 is good also, if it fits in your hood. Just make sure the opening is wide enough for a 400, as it's about 16 inches wide. I have both myself.

 

[Zagz]

I have 2 fluvals, and one magnum 350. The magnum has bio wheel attachements in addition to the cannister filter.

 

[Simpte]

Depends on how much you want to spend. Eheim canisters are the quietest. Rena's have the most waterflow. Fluval is a nice middleground. Biowheels are nice if you need the added biological filtration. Magnums can be used for many different operations such as diatom filters or adding bio-wheels. They also don't get vapor lock like the others. I perfer canisters of HOB for larger tanks (~50 gallons or larger), but Aquaclear HOB filters are very nice.

 

[Bhunsucker]

I have a Aquaclear on my 55 gal (Model 500/110). It does a great job.

 

[jcarlilesiu]

I have a HOT Magnum HOB canister w/ bio wheel.. its great, easy setup and 250 gallons per hour

 

[severum mama]

I recently got both a Fluval and a Rena Filstar, and I really like them both. You would probably be happy with either one. I found that the Fluval was much harder to set up initially than the Rena, but once I figured it out it was easy to put together. The directions just aren't written very clearly IMO. Both the Fluval and the Rena are easy to take apart and clean. I don't have any experience with the Eheims, but I've heard really good things about them. They are much more expensive than the other brands, though.