good filter?

[Catlid]

is this a good filter?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3595&Ne=40000&R=7776&N=2004+22777

[Dragon_Lord_Tia]

looks ok but ive heared that that brand and leak at times?

[DMS]

Depends on what you want it to do. I've found that Magnums in general aren't a great "all the time" filter. But if you want something to polish the water once in a while, they're great. JMO, Good Luck!

[125gJoe]

At that price, an excellent canister filter like the Rena Filstar xP-3 is one way to go. Like above, what are you needing in a filter.

For "polishing" water, the powerful Vortex XL can't be beat - in my opinion, and from using it... :)

[JSchmidt]

Marineland filters are generally regarded pretty highly, in terms of quality and reliability. The 350 is an OK filter, but it's pretty much limited to mechanical and/or chemical filtration. It has a relatively small media chamber (compared to other canisters), which limits the space for biomedia. Adding biowheels to the 350 would make it pretty good in all respects, I'd think.

Jim

[Catlid]

so u guys dont think its a good filter? I think for the gph and price its a good deal. IM getting the 2 bio-wheels with it for the bio filtration, u can also hook it up to clean the bottom. All the other canister filters ive seen are expensive and dont pump as many gallons. I was going to get a power head also that has a sponge or some type of mechanical filtration to go with it.

[JSchmidt]

With the biowheels, it's not a bad choice. I have several HOT Magnums that have the gravel-vacuuming feature, but I've never used it. I can't see picking up all that gunk only to deposit it in the filter, which will then have to be cleaned. Not a time-saver, in my book.

Lots of people have Mags and like them fine. If you get a prefilter sponge (e.g., the FilterMax III), you can keep the canister interior cleaner, reducing maintenance.

Have fun!

Jim

[TETRALADY]

Hi Catlid,

I have the same system you are considering. The Magnum Pro has some great features, however, running this filter can be very costly. Filter sleeves, carbon, micron filters etc.... I stopped using the filter because of the expense involved and because I found it extremely difficult to get the lid off to service the canister. :)

[Catlid]

does is still do a good job keeping the tank clean? Well i would think all canister filters would be expensive to maintains since they all have a lot of media in them. What is a good power head that actualy filters the water to, so i can have good water flow yet get the water filtered as well since i heard 350 gph is a little low for a 55g.

[aquariumfishguy]

For a 55 gallon, an AquaClear 500 would do the trick. Infact, these are relatively cheap filters for the quality you get and mine have been running for years. I have AC filter sizes ranging from Mini-500 so I have all their models and IME these filters are extreamly relyable. I do agree with the above posters who say it depends on what you plan to have in the tank. Certain filters are better for certain fish/species.

[JSchmidt]

If you don't mind the looks, HOB filters are certainly cheaper. An AC 500 or an Emperor 400 would be sufficient. If you do get an Emperor, do yourself a favor and order some AC 500 sponges. These can be cut to fit the Emp's filter wells and do a much better job at mechanical filtration. They're also nice because you don't ever have to replace the, unlike the Emp cartridges.

Canister filters aren't necessarily more expensive to run. Generally, they cost more up front, but repay you in superior filtration and longer life (not to mention being out of sight and quieter).

Lots of ways to filter your water...

Jim

[Catlid]

well i might get another magnum filter in the future so i will have two.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Catlid
well i might get another magnum filter in the future so i will have two. From what I gather, you want 2 Magnum's but the xP-3 Filstar canister won't be enough filter..
I don't understand.

[Catlid]

whats the xp3 filter, anyways well for now im just getting one magnum 350 with the bio wheels and a power head.

[cblin]

While canister have a lot media in them, at the same time, it can support a large volume of beneficial bacteria. In addition, these foams or bioballs you use can be reused over and over. Once you go canister, you don't go back to HOBs.



Originally posted by Catlid
does is still do a good job keeping the tank clean? Well i would think all canister filters would be expensive to maintains since they all have a lot of media in them. What is a good power head that actualy filters the water to, so i can have good water flow yet get the water filtered as well since i heard 350 gph is a little low for a 55g.

[aquariumfishguy]

Thats not true. I have had canisters before...until they broke down. I decided not to buy one again as they didn't do anything for me or my fish that the power filter couldn't do. With a cycled tank and ample supply of "good bacteria" to feed off of, canisters are just more expensive filters, nothing more.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Catlid
whats the xp3 filter, .... The Filstar xP-3 is a quality canister filter, Fluvals are good and popular, Eheims cost a lot but some will use only them. As far as canisters "breaking", HOB's "break" the same essential part too -- the impellers, the part that provides the water flow.

You may have heard that HOB's are good filters, but not good in planted tanks since they cause to much suface movement depleting CO2 the live plants need for better growth.

Canisters and HangOnBacks are both good filters. It depends on what you want to do with your aquarium, and somewhat on personal preference. Live plants or not, I don't think I will go back to HOB's.. Just my opinion..

[aquariumfishguy]

I have planted aquariums and use air stones! :eek:

...are you saying this is bad for the plants because they seem to be thriving?! :confused: