Filters: What would you choose?

[LIB]

I'm back into fish. I bought a 50g, built a great stand and set it up this morning. Because I live in a small apartment, I wanted the tank to sit as flush to the wall as possible so having a filter hanging over the back was out. Soooooo, I decided I'd hang it on one end. Now that it's up and running, I don't like my idea. The solution will be an 'in tank' filter system but not an undergravel.

I want the most power I can get w/o sucking the fish into the filter. Need something quiet and easy to maintain. Having said all that, what would be your recommendation and why?

Thanks,
LIB

[sunkenmetal]

What type of fish do you plan on keeping in your tank?

A Canister filter or a wet dry system or both if you have the room would be the way to go....

[LIB]

Right now, I think I want to go back into cichlids BUT I've always had my eye (the one in the center) on discs so until I get the problem with the filter system settled, I don't know yet.

The canister I know you can run 24/7 but the wet n dry? 24/7, also? Have a brand in mind because that's new territory for me.

LIB

[fishman1]

You should get a super jet es-600 or an eheim or a large wet/dry filter and yes you want them on 24/7

[LIB]

OK, I'm going to show my ignorance.....................the wet n dry? Doesn't that need powder? How often would I need to change it if it runs 24/7?

LIB

[supadave]

Before you buy the filter you need to decide what kind and how many fish you plan to keep in the tank . Just for starters I would suggest going with either a Rena XP3 or an Eheim 2217 . Both filters are pretty much silent and they both will last a long time . Parts for both are readily available and easy to get , also .

[sunkenmetal]

A Canister filter runs 24/7 and can be all three types of filtration. I have a Rena Filstar XP2 on my tank. If primed properly it is silent.

A wet dry doesn't need powder... it is a sump with some mechanical filtration and then bio media like bio balls. The best part of a Wet/Dry is it adds oxygen to your water and the added water capacity. And you can DIY them pretty easy with stuff from Home Depot or Lowes....

Cleaning your Filters depends on your Tank.. How many fish, amount of feeding ETC...

[supadave]

OK, I'm going to show my ignorance.....................the wet n dry? Doesn't that need powder? How often would I need to change it if it runs 24/7?

LIB

I really would not suggest a wet dry system to a novice . Plus , in my opinion...I don't think they are necessary on your size tank nor will it have the mechanical filtering capabilities of a canister . Lastly , the wet dry will be more expensive than a Eheim 2217 or Rena XP3 .

[LIB]

The Eheim 2217 looks good. I like the idea of the extra power it has but I'm going to need to see one of these in action before I can understand how it actually works.

LIB

[mgarrido]

You have only one options: canister filter. Go with 1 or 2 eheim 2217.

[supadave]

You have only one options: canister filter. Go with 1 or 2 eheim 2217.

+1

Your tank will be spotless . Also , keep in mind that the Eheim 2217 is actually cheaper than the Rena XP3..... plus it comes with all of the media needed .

[LIB]

Why 2? Wouldn't 1 be enough?

LIB

[mgarrido]

Why 2? Wouldn't 1 be enough?

LIB

1. Over-filtration is always better
2. Redundancy; if one fail or need maintenance you are safe.
3. You can clean your filters once a time without the risk of kill your good bacteria.

Also you can go with one canister and one sponge filter but I don't like how they look in a show tank (btw sponge filter are excellent bio-filtration).

[jhouk]

A wet dry doesn't need powder......

I am sure someone will correct me if I am mistaken. I was under the impression that even a wet/dry requires power by using a pump to return the water to the tank.

[sunkenmetal]

I am sure someone will correct me if I am mistaken. I was under the impression that even a wet/dry requires power by using a pump to return the water to the tank.

LOL read the thread he said Powder...... So I said it doesn't need powder.....