View Full Version : What filter for my 10 gallon tank?
STaNgXs
10-07-2003, 11:39 PM
i want a good stong filter, i have the regular 10 gallon filter that came with my tank, but i want something better... what should i get, and where can i get it from? not too pricey though :cool:
Richer
10-07-2003, 11:56 PM
Welcome to the board!
I would personally get an Aquaclear 150 for your tank. It has a flow rate of 150gallon/hour (without media), and you can basically stick any kind of media you want in there. So you can essentially take the filter material you had in your previous filter (assuming its gone through the cycle and is established) and stick it into the aquaclear on top of the aquaclear sponge thats included with the filter. If the flow rate is a bit too high, then you can adjust it accordingly, since flow rate on that filter can go from as high as 150gallon/hour to as low as about 50gallon/hour.
If you're starting a tank from stratch, then buy an extra AC150 sponge from your LFS, and stick that into your filter. Two sponges in the filter provides good mechanical filtration, and plenty of surface area for bacterial colonies to colonize. There's no need for the carbon, as most tanks don't need it.
HTH
-Richer
STaNgXs
10-08-2003, 12:23 AM
Originally posted by Richer
Welcome to the board!
I would personally get an Aquaclear 150 for your tank. It has a flow rate of 150gallon/hour (without media), and you can basically stick any kind of media you want in there. So you can essentially take the filter material you had in your previous filter (assuming its gone through the cycle and is established) and stick it into the aquaclear on top of the aquaclear sponge thats included with the filter. If the flow rate is a bit too high, then you can adjust it accordingly, since flow rate on that filter can go from as high as 150gallon/hour to as low as about 50gallon/hour.
If you're starting a tank from stratch, then buy an extra AC150 sponge from your LFS, and stick that into your filter. Two sponges in the filter provides good mechanical filtration, and plenty of surface area for bacterial colonies to colonize. There's no need for the carbon, as most tanks don't need it.
HTH
-Richer
Thanks for the Welcome, and thanks for all the info. :cool:
Have any links on where i can find this filter?
blitzen25bm
10-08-2003, 12:26 AM
www.bigalsonline.com all your fishy needs
Richer
10-08-2003, 12:27 AM
Check out www.bigalsonline.com. They got a ton of equipment, decent prices, and good service.
HTH
-Richer
NJ Devils Fan
10-08-2003, 6:41 AM
As already mentioned, use big al's online as it has the cheapest prices anywhere.
Again, welcome.:)
125gJoe
10-08-2003, 10:09 AM
My opinion is to use the sponge that came with the filter and use 'filter floss' to fill the space near the sponge. When cleaning, throw the old dirty floss out and replace with new filter floss.
Sponges won't trap most of the crud like floss does....
I have an AquaClear "mini" on my 10 gallon and wish I got the 150 model size.. I'll replace it sometime..
Filter floss is great. I use in all my filters.Cheap too. Tim
125gJoe
10-08-2003, 11:14 AM
I agree..
I wouldn't run filters without it..
Lostchemist
10-08-2003, 12:11 PM
Have you thought about a Penguine Mini filter? I have one in my 10 gal tank and its doing a perfect job. It has a biowheel that is working great at removeing Amonia and nitrites. Thats because it lets the bacteria breath/remove Oxygen from the air.
Good luck at picking one out!
STaNgXs
10-08-2003, 2:08 PM
So, are filters with biowheels better filters?
Thanks for all the info guys.
NJ Devils Fan
10-08-2003, 2:30 PM
Thats debated a lot around here. It's what you want. Filters with bio wheels have more biological filtration, but cause more water agitation which is not go for planted tanks.
RClarkofNC
10-08-2003, 4:27 PM
A big plus for filters with bio-wheels is that you can replace the filter cartridge without removing most of the good bacteria, which live in large quantities on the bio-wheel. Filters with bio-wheels are my first choice, but the Aquaclear filters have a pretty good reputation as well. Not much difference in proce between the two for a 10g.
aquariumfishguy
10-08-2003, 7:58 PM
I use AquaClear on all my tanks except like two which I choose Whisper. Those are two highly regarded filters and I hope you should choose one or the other. While I agree, bi als has great prices, for something so inexpensive I would just go to Petsmart or your LFS because they are cheap and you wont have to worry about S&E charges. Now if you was buying 4-5 filters, I would say order online but this isn't the case. :)
Dapple2
10-08-2003, 10:10 PM
I'm a Penguin fan too, but I actually like the 125 on a 10g much better than the mini. The advertised flow rates on most HOBs are optimistic at best.
STaNgXs
10-08-2003, 10:33 PM
Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
I use AquaClear on all my tanks except like two which I choose Whisper. Those are two highly regarded filters and I hope you should choose one or the other. While I agree, bi als has great prices, for something so inexpensive I would just go to Petsmart or your LFS because they are cheap and you wont have to worry about S&E charges. Now if you was buying 4-5 filters, I would say order online but this isn't the case. :) Ya, i picked one up from PetsMart, not a bad price $22.99, cheaper online, but i don't like waiting for things :p
Erik713
10-09-2003, 5:57 AM
I use the Penguin Mini on my 10 gal, and it's done a great job getting rid of ammonia and nitrites. The water is more or less crystal. I put some BioSpira right on the wheel when I started up the tank, and within 3 days levels were perfect.
I would recomend the penguin 125 or 175 depending on the stocking level in the tank
aquariumfishguy
10-09-2003, 8:25 PM
All the AC 150's I've ever got were on sale for $16.00 and thats cheaper than any place online when you consider the S & H charges...;)