Which filter to buy?

[lucke]

I currently have a 55g salt tank (fish only), which has been up and running for the past 5 years. Iam using an Emperor 400 filter and a CRP backpak skimmer. The CRP is again given me problems and I feel it's time for an upgrade. I would also like to upgrade my filter to a canister style.

I would like some input as to what brand of canister filter and skimmer would work best. Here is what I was thinking about buying. An Eheim 2026 Pro II canister and an Aqua C skimmer. I welcome any suggestions any of you might have.

The last thing I wanted to ask was what the procedure would be for changing the two out.

[roka64]

If you have about 1.5-2 Lbs of rock per gallon in your tank, you could save the money on a filter. I have a fluvial on my 55G, but it only has the ceramic rings in it, no sponges or carbon.

[loganj]

You can't go wrong with Eheim although the Emp 400 is an excellent filter and will run for years. I also like the Aqua C skimmers, but I would suggest the Pro for a 55 gal tank...the regular Remora isn't enough. You may have some trouble with the pump coming loose as well so you might want to pick up a couple of extra clamps and secure it a little better than it is from the manufacturer.

[Zagz]

Welcome to AA!! You are likely to get a few different opinions on brands of cannisters. Personally I use fluvals, a 305 would work fine, or a 304 if you could still find it. If it were me I would use the Emp 400 and a cannister depending on what stock you have for your tank.