filters

[pickles]

i am a new fw aquarist, and i am in need of someone to tell me the best type of filter to get for a 55g. tank. i want to start my tank off right. canister, wet/dry?

[DEmigh]

Welcome to Aquaria Central :hi:

If I read your post correctly, you're a freshwater aquarist. You might try re-posting your question in the Freshwater Newbie Forum for more/better responses.

I have a few questions for you:

Do you have stocking plans for your 55, or is that still nebulous?
Live plants? (depending on how many, this can be a big influence on filter choice)
Tropical or Coldwater fish? (if you've made that decision yet)

This is far from an exhaustive list of considerations, just something to get the ball rolling :)

[pickles]

yes, i want live plants and tropical fish. I know the list of questions can be long. but i need help from someone experienced. So thanks for the help. I f you have any other info i would appreciate it.

[caz]

depends on what you wanna put in the tank. personally i would get the aquaclear 500. its a HOB and works awesome. i think you can get it cheap at petco.com i think i picked mine up for like 35 bucks. i used it in my 75 gal which had 3 oscars, a gar, and two plecos, and was crystal clear. quite too.

[Duke107]

My experience is 3.5 years young but I have owned a ehiem canister and would never even listen, look or touch any other type. I do use a fluval drop in for regular filter floss and carbon. The combination is outstanding on my 90G tank.