Does brand matter?

[jamesriley]

I'm overwhelmed by the variety in brands for each and every possible aquarium 'need' and wondered if any of the brands were 'better' or if all are fairly equal.

For example, I have a Top Fin 10 gallon aquarium that came with a filter. I also have a Fluval Aqua Clear 30 filter and a Tetra WhisperPF10. Is there one of the three that is better for my tank of a couple of tetras, couple of guppies, and some African Dwarf frogs?

I have the API line of water treatments and I also have Seachem (clarity, stability & prime). Is either 'better' for water treatment?

And random question -- when should you/do you need to have a bubble feature/air stone? I'm not sure if those are necessary or personal preference?

 

[coralbandit]

The aq filters are considered the best of HOB filters by many including myself.
Whether a particular filter is better for a specific (your fish listed) I can't see a big difference.
IMO most would say seachem is higher quality then API for water treatments/conditioners.
Air stones are not needed as long as your filter moves the surface enough to allow gas exchange.

 

[Coyne]

Sometimes brand matters. I defiantly recommend doing research and looking up reviews. When I first got into fish keeping, I tended to gravitate towards the less expensive, no-name products and Chinese knock offs. In the long run it ended up costing me more money because I would have to replace them. I have a small closet full of filters, heaters, light fixtures and other random stuff that didn't work well or flat out didn't work.


Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice

 

[Mebbid]

It's the same way with pretty much any product.

If you look at 10 different kitchen knives:
3 of them will be cheap junky Chinese knives that will work for a little while.
2 of them will be cheap and low quality but suitable for occasional use.
2 more will be fairly high quality and reasonably affordable.
1 will be extremely expensive but just as good as the last 2.
2 will be astronomically expensive but live up to their prices.


It's all part of being a smart consumer, you just have to figure out your price range (filters can cost from $15 - $800) and doing research to figure out what will work for you.

As for my personal experience:
Heaters: Eheim Jager are fantastic with good customer support
Filters: Aquaclears are awesome, Marineland filters work fairly well and are a bit more affordable. Sunsun / Aquatop filters are cheap but are also reliable workhorses.
Water treatment: The only thing you really need is seachem Prime. It's the best on the market and is super affordable.

 

[ScotJudd]

When buying a filter first check that spares are easily available, the good brands have a good range of spares, the knock offs do not. I check for impellers, ceramic impeller spindles, seals etc.


Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice