advice on my cichlid tanks filtration needs

[grannylvsfish]

Im not going to go cheap, but do not want to spend a fortune either. I would love to add floating plants if possible to my cichlid tanks . not sure maybe they eat floating plants I will have to look, but any ways what type of filtration would you say is good.
I have always used emperiors in fact 2 for a fifty five gallon. there easy to work with and I can get 2 new for 100.00
would these be as good as a canister?
Im not going to go whole hog on ther lighting either, 2 watts per gallon and thats it.
these cichlids.....
http://www.davesfish.com/
http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Altolamprologus%20calvus%20Congo%20Black.jpg (http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Altolamprologus%20calvus%20Congo%20Black.jpg)

http://www.geocities.com/calvusfish/calvus/alto_comp_gh_muzi.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/calvusfish/calvus/alto_comp_gh_muzi.jpg)




and these ones..
http://www.geocities.com/calvusfish/calvus/alto_comp_mwela.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/calvusfish/calvus/alto_comp_mwela.jpg)

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Altolamp%20compressiceps%20Lufubu.jpg (http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Altolamp%20compressiceps%20Lufubu.jpg)

[Nolapete]

You might want to do a little research into the water requirements of Lake Tanganyikan cichlids. Most plants won't do well in the higher pH requirements except maybe Anubias which are african plants.

Have you priced the fish above? They aren't cheap.

[toddnbecka]

Personally I prefer aquaclears to emperors, but either way 2 should be overkill for a 55. If you want one of each of the comp's and calvus make certain they're all males to prevent crossbreeding. Chances of raising any fry are slim in any case, they're notoriously sensitive when very small. Calvus/comp's won't eat plants, they're strictly predatory fish. They're actually specialized to prey on other cichlid fry, their mouths are adapted for sucking small fish out of their crevices or other hiding places.

[Rbishop]

The filters you speak of will be fine and if you are comfortable with them, I say go for it. I just prefer canisters.

[Nolapete]

I agree with ToddnBecka. Aquaclears better than Emperors.

[chadly831]

go on ebay. canister filters for 100 bucks. thats cheap