Filter questions?

[Sal329]

I am making my 55g a community tank. I have had it up and running great for 3 years but our recent move I had to give the fish to a friend. I wasn't going to actually get anymore fish but I miss it. I really enjoyed them and the kids love them and are asking when we are getting more. Anyway my questions
I have been using and AC500 filter, works great but I really like the canister filters. Should I use the AC and the canister togther? Both with different media? Would this allow me to add a few more fish?
What is the difference between Eheim Classic 2213 http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si1382918/cl0/eheimfilter2213pluskit and Eheim Ecco Comfort Canister Filter- 2232 http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si1382869/cl0/eheimeccocomfortcanisterfilter2232

[jtburf]

The classic has years and years behind it, the ecco is a little less powerful, I would go with a Eheim 2213 classic, works great, i only use it for biofiltration, And i have a terta T something or other as a mechanical filter.

The ecco on the other hand is relativelly new, and has some features that are just un neccecary for standadr day to day operation.

usually if you get an eheim it will come with media for a good general setup.

Also the tank size is what limits the fish you can keep not only the filter.

[Sal329]

I do not want to overcrowed the fish but I would like a few schools of tetra and one centerpiece fish.

[jtburf]

Well you could go with some schools of smaller fish and then have a gourami as a center peice fish.