new canister filter

[blur34]

I am looking into getting a canister filter for my 30 gallon tank. I know very little about them. What are some good ones? How many gph should I get for a tank this size. Do most of them come with all of the media/tubing needed or do I need to look for that separatley? I will also be in the market for a new hood and lighting system. What should I look for (how many watts, etc.) Also where can I get the best prices on this stuff. Thanks for any help.

 

[caribou]

I've had good luck with both Eheim and Fluval. The Fluval 204 would work for your tank size and come with about everything you need and it looks user friendly. I really like canister filters because I can keep them out of sight in my cabinet and I don't like a bunch of stuff hanging off the back of my tank. I'd look at how easy the filter is to prime and and the ease and flexibility of media choices. From other posts, I see alot of people like Rena. Check out BigAlsOnline.com

 

[BASSNMAN]

You can get a eheim 2213 from big als on line for $72.99. Quiet and dependable. They come with all hoses and media. Plenty of filter for your tank.

 

[greenfish]

Check out this review page here of the various filters:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/reviews/category_display.php?CatID=104

Also here is a helpful chart:
http://petsolutions.com/info.asp?ii=59

Most people rate the Ehiem and Filstar's the best. Ehiem is usually said to be the quieter of the two but they are usually more expensive.

If you decide on a 2213 they are on sale right now at http://petsolutions.com for $64.99.

Hope this helps!

 

[greenfish]

I forgot to answer your other questions!

Do most of them come with all of the media/tubing needed or do I need to look for that separatley?

Yes they should come with the tubing and most come with some media.

I will also be in the market for a new hood and lighting system. What should I look for (how many watts, etc.)

Are you planning on live plants? If not then any light will do. If you want live plants then generally you need somewhere between 1.5 to 4 watts per gallon depending on the type of plants and whether or not you want to get in to doing CO2.

Also where can I get the best prices on this stuff. Thanks for any help.

I order most of my stuff online. Check out the sponsors here:
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/sponsorbanners.php
These are good too:
http://petsolutions.com/
http://www.bigalsonline.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/
http://www.thatpetplace.com/

A couple good places for lights are:
http://www.hellolights.com/
http://www.ahsupply.com/ <--- DIY light kits

Hope it helps!

 

[blur34]

thanks for all of the help. I'll be looking into this stuff and making a purchase in the very near future. Also I just noticed another post that mentions in line heaters. Are these worth it? Being that I am going to be looking into a new hood and lighting system, I think one of these would be nice--one less hole in the hood and one less thing hanging in the tank. How effecitve are they?