Need advice on HOB filter

[jimluann]

I have a 55 gallon freshwater community tank that has been running for about 2 months. I have 8 platys, 6 zebra danios, 6 rasboras and an algae eater.

The tank has a Marineland Magnum 250H HOB filter and a Powerhead 402 connected to a UG filter. (I got the setup from a lfs that used it for 5-7 years) About a week ago, the HOB filter started to make a clicking noise. I took it apart to see if something got hung up in the impeller area. It did not. I put it back in service and it still moves water, but makes the same noise.

I have started to read about new filters to replace the 250H. I am leaning towards the Emperor 280, however, the recommended tank size is 30-50 gallons. The Emperor 400 is not that much more in price, but it moves a lot more water.

I have two basic questions, plus follow ups:
If I get the 280, will it be enough?

If not should I get the 400 and perhaps unplug the UG filter?

Or, I am very open to other suggestions or recommendations.

Also, feel free to offer other fish that I might add.

Thanks in advance

Jim

 

[justrelax]

Just put the 40$ you would spend on an Emperor 400 towards the purchase of a canister filter. I started with the 400 on my 55; and, while it worked very well, I have found the upgrade to the xp2 to be a good decision. Canisters are quieter, easier to maintain, and aren't as much of an eyesore as hob's. If you want to go with a hob, the Emperor 400 will do the trick on a 55 gallon if you don't overstock. Go ahead and pull that ugf out.
I think a couple angelfish would make a nice centerpiece fish to what you have. Or, maybe a herd of neons would be cool...
Good luck!

 

[tropicfishman]

canister filters are awesome, I have a cascade 700 or something like that I bought off someone on here and its an awesome filter, they just become a pain to take apart and clean, especially un hooking the hoses can cause a nasty suction and drain your tank, but as for your hang on back filter I have the sam eproblem with one of mine, all I do is wiggle the intake tube and it will seat better and quit

 

[Zagz]

I too would recommend a cannister. They are better for larger tanks IMO. The ratings that are listed on the boxes for the filters are not taking into consideration the actual stocking that goes into a tank. For example, goldfish and cichlids require much more filtration. Smaller community fish require less. The filter ratings don't calculate this. As a result it is always better IMO to err on the side of more rather than less filtration. A cannister or the 400 would be better than the 280.

 

[clubsuperduty]

A cannister or the 400 would be better than the 280.

I agee totally I wish the LFS here would price match canister filters I got my Emperor 400s pricematched to BigAl's for like 37.00 a piece but they wouldn't match canister filter prices so I got the 400s on my tank they are great.