Which filter on a 20g hex?

[cranfordrd]

I lucked out today and picked up a 20G AGA Hex with wood trim and stand for $25 at a garage sale! It was day for fish, also saw a 30g with stand, filters, heater for $20. Anyway, I want to get a filter for this hex and like the Emperor but the slot in the hood is only 8.5" and my emperor (I have another 20g) is larger than that. Since the stand is enclosed with a door I was also wondering if I should get a canister (this will be in the dining room so I'd like a clean look). I have never used a canister filter and would like to hear some opinions about which HOB would fit and whether a canister would make sense. Stoicking will probably consist of 2 severum.

[Mantis_22]

just cut out the area needed on the hood so the filter can fit? Get a dremel and fine bit and your set to go?

[cranfordrd]

That is an option but would require the occupant of the house that knows what a dremel is to do it! My husband is not "into" my fish and was not pleased when I came home with this, I'd like to get one to fit if I could!

[Mantis_22]

You could get a new fabricated hood for the local LFS or even the aquascape ones from Wal-Mart. Like 30-40 bucks and fit all applications yet if you can fit it you will have to cut it one way or another, High pressure scissors or something. I had to do that on my 10gl hood. Im not the best at htis topic tho, im a DIY noob :(

[nvision]

how about internal filters? they keeps your setup nice and clean in the outside and you don't have to deal with hoses and such. that is, asuming you don't mind sacrificing just a small bit of space inside your tank. the fluval 2 plus works great for any 20g, and is very silent.

[cranfordrd]

Would you believe I never heard of this? The only internal setup I know of is a box filter, going to research the Fluval now!

[Cloud-9]

I think nvision has the right idea. Your best bet would probably be a small internal filter. This is the no hassle approach. With this type of filtration, it's very important to stock lightly. You may consider something other than Severums.

Another no-hassle approach is to use a good sponge filter and drive it with an air pump. The bubbles might add aesthetics to a tank of that shape. Contrary to what some people say, sponge filters provide good biological filtration.

Go with canister filters if you don't mind the fact that you might have to do a little bit of hose cutting. I have owned three canister filters: Rennaisance, Eheim, and Fluval. All gave excellent results. The advantage of canisters is that you can use just about any kind of filtration media available. They can also hold a lot of carbon if you like to use chemical filtration. I would recommend Eheim to you. Perhaps one of the smaller ones that are easy to prime. Yeah, they cost more, but you made off like a bandit with the great deals you got on those tanks.

[cranfordrd]

Thanks for all the info, I am hesitant to go internal for a few reasons, the biggest being that the 20g hex has a small footprint and I hate to clutter it up. I am still researching and open to more opinions.