Beginner canister recommendations?

[missmonday]

Just browsing around Craigslist and this seems like a pretty good deal:
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/for/5258902541.html

However, I have ZERO experience with canisters and am the kind of person that keeps around instructions/manuals and sometimes getting stuff second-hand you're left to just guess or google search.

I also tried to look around on Amazon and there seem to be some good ones? I found a SunSun canister that seems good for ~60-65 dollars. I'd love some more experienced people weigh in though!

This would be for a 55 gallon tank that wouldn't be set up anytime soon, just swiping a good Craigslist deal and parking it at my grandma's house, where there's currently more space lol. Preferrably, I'd like to keep any canister recommendations under $75.

The Craigslist deal comes with 2 Aqueon Quietflow 50 filters, so a canister isn't absolutely necessary, but just something I might wanna look into, thanks guys!

 

[brennae]

This is the older model Fluval. New one is called 306 and is what i use on my 55g and 40b. New the 306 runs about $170 with all filter media included. I've never had a Sunsun but many people do use them. You might check Aquatop brand as well. With the Fluval products, canisters and hob I always know how to put them together because it's the only brand I buy and they use pictures.

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[missmonday]

Off of the top of your head do you know of many differences between the new and older models? Or is it relatively minimal?

I don't mind second hand stuff so long as it still works!

 

[brennae]

I've never owned the older models so I couldn't say. I remember reading there were improvements but I just can't recall what.
I'm not mechanically inclined at all so I have to get stuff with directions and those have to have pictures.

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[missmonday]

I'm definitely the same way, Brenna haha. I can highly relate not being much of a builder either :') The aquarium life struggle.

 

[RedDevil83]

Alot of parts only go one way on some fluvals I'm told, also seen a video, been thinking about getting one myself. ...

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[missmonday]

I'm sure if I WERE to get the craigslist deal, I could just ask the previous owner to show me what to do, just that if I run into trouble later on, I only have this forum to rely on as I don't really know anyone else personally with aquarium experience!

 

[RedDevil83]

I would say always have a backup filter just in case.

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[brennae]

Fluval has good customer support

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[jock7575]

Yeah fluval filters are great.I've never had a canister but have a u4 internal in a 40 gal and does an awesome job.

 

[claudio1]

i have a fluval 206 which i bought second hand about a year ago and the only problem i had is that sometimes it leaks,but i spread some vaseline where the gasket sits and stops...just a tip if you search for fluval 305 on youtube there is videos that shows how to set it up...hope it helps.


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[RedDevil83]

I don't like leaks..... hope others don't because I won't buy one if it does have a leak issue.

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[ImACoolguy]

Just going to mention Cascade and SunSun as well for a cheaper alternative. I've had a cascade 1000 for 10 months now and it's flawless. Just recently got a SunSun used and it works pretty well too even though it's older.


Caleb

 

[katiekelsey]

The gasket needs to be replaced once a year. That's probably why yours is leaking. I had no experience with canister filters until I bought a Fluval canister for my 75 gal. I liked it so much I changed my 45 gal tank over to a Fluval canister too. I love them!

 

[claudio1]

The gasket needs to be replaced once a year. That's probably why yours is leaking. I had no experience with canister filters until I bought a Fluval canister for my 75 gal. I liked it so much I changed my 45 gal tank over to a Fluval canister too. I love them!

i replaced the gasket that same day,it wasn't a major leak.


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