I'm going to add a second filter (HOB or Canister) need suggestions...

[Prometheus]

Current set up...

-55 ga. tank (48x21x12.5")
-Penguin 330 filter
-power head (170 GPH) on air riser tube from UGF
-2 air risers with the carbon cartridge things powered by a
-Whisper 400 air pump
-Heater (it's huge, therma flow 'pc' donno the wattage it was a hand me down gift from a friend, but it's 15" long)

Misc. items I have laying around I could put on it...
*2 - 170 regent aqua-tech HOB filters (not bio-wheel capable)
*2 - heaters forget the wattage but small about 5 inches long)
*1 extra power head flows 200 gph? another gift, used but it works...

From reading the posts here, I am at a bare minimum of water turn over on my filter (6x an hour)...

My question, What other filter should I add?

Alot of ppl here like canisters, I have no experience with them, but they seem strait forward enuff...

Could I set up something like a FLUVAL 400 and connect it to my UGF? or get another HOB like an emporor 400?

Also, my UGF is split (meaning 2 UGF's lay on the bottom) what good would having only one side being 'sucked' from do? ( I do realize that my air risers do some water lifting as well from each side)

On my power head... all it does is suck water water from the one UGF and put it back up top (adding air in the process) should I run that 24/7 or for only a few hours a day?

I hope I have all the terms correct...

FWIW, All I have in the tank now is 7 danios, 2 rosabaros, and 1 diamond tetra (see story on the tragedy that lead to this http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18059 )... I plan on restocking in another month or so with 2 (maybe 4) Bala Sharks, 3 more diamond tetras - If I can find any around here-, Pleco maybe 2 babies....

I'm going to upgrade tanks again in about 2 years, if thats something to consider...

Thanks,

[DMS]

Well, if it were my tank, I'd probably add a Fluval 404. I'd then wait a while and slowly remove what you have in there now. I really don't like UGF's (a little bias on my part:rolleyes: ). I'm sure the Fluval could easily handle what you're talking about keeping. I really like canisters myself, and I tend to like big fish too!

[NJ Devils Fan]

Do you have live plants?

If so, I would recommend a canister, preferably a Rena Filstar xp3 or a Fluval 404. Good filters. If not, then go with an Emp 280 or an Aqua clear 300. You wouldn't really need a 400.

The reason why I ask if you have live plants is because you do not want a lot of surface agitation as the HOB filters provide. When there is a lot of surface agitation, CO2 gasses off and the plants need CO2, so it is not good.

[Prometheus]

Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
Do you have live plants?

If so, I would recommend a canister, preferably a Rena Filstar xp3 or a Fluval 404. Good filters. If not, then go with an Emp 280 or an Aqua clear 300. You wouldn't really need a 400.


No plants. I've been thinking about them, but I won't do it in this tank, until I get a bigger one then I plan on using the 55gal for smaller fish that would really co habitate with them, then use the bigger tank (100+ gal in about 2 years) for the grown up Bala's and such...

[125gJoe]

The only canister filter I can recommend is the Rena xP-3 canister. I have the Fluval 404 too, but prefer the xP-3.....

Ehiem is supposedly good, but has less water flowing through it...
And, it's more expensive, and hard to find..

[nimbusv]

Always an Eheim over a fluval, or Rena, but as said, more expensive

[fisherman]

I have a Rena XP3, Eheim 2213, Fluval 404 (idle at the moment), an AquaClear 300 and an AquaClear 200. They all have strong points but IMO, all of them do a pretty good job. Given your situation, I'd recommend an AquaClear 200 or 300. You're already turning the tank 6x an hour so adding a 200 would increase that to 10x an hour which is enough filtration for all but the most extreme circumstances. AquaClears are inexpensive, quiet, the media basket is extremely versatile and easy to clean, and I believe they are the only one of the manufacturers that has a two year warranty. I load mine with the sponge it comes with, a layer of bio media in a media bag, and filter wool on top. Works like a charm.