I currently have a 55gal with a TetraTec 300 (with internal heater). The TT300 does a mediocre job, but doesn't seem to have enough power. Maintenance on the filter also is rather involved; the filter pads also seem to clog often and tweaking the siphon control for the wet/dry portion of the filter is a bother.
On that note, I'm considering replacing the filter with either a better HOB unit or a canister model. For a HOB, I was considering the Emperor 400. However, I'd also like to get recommendations on canister filters, which seem to be the most flexible in terms of media, maintenance, etc.
My requirements are pretty much the usual: I'd like a filter that requires low, easy maintenance, is quiet, powerful, and does an exceptional job at keeping the water clean. Ideally, I'd like a filter that has an internal heater (so I don't need an ugly heater in the tank, which is one of the main reasons I picked the TT300 initially), but this is not a deal-breaker.
Obviously, I don't want to spend a fortune, but I'd much prefer to spend more up front and less on maintenance/supplies. (The TT300 filter cartridges are so hard to clean, that I end up having to replace them more often than is recommended.)
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, having always had HOB filters in the past, if someone has or could point me to some good information regarding canister filters and maintenance required for them, that'd be excellent as well.
Thanks!
Mike
On that note, I'm considering replacing the filter with either a better HOB unit or a canister model. For a HOB, I was considering the Emperor 400. However, I'd also like to get recommendations on canister filters, which seem to be the most flexible in terms of media, maintenance, etc.
My requirements are pretty much the usual: I'd like a filter that requires low, easy maintenance, is quiet, powerful, and does an exceptional job at keeping the water clean. Ideally, I'd like a filter that has an internal heater (so I don't need an ugly heater in the tank, which is one of the main reasons I picked the TT300 initially), but this is not a deal-breaker.
Obviously, I don't want to spend a fortune, but I'd much prefer to spend more up front and less on maintenance/supplies. (The TT300 filter cartridges are so hard to clean, that I end up having to replace them more often than is recommended.)
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, having always had HOB filters in the past, if someone has or could point me to some good information regarding canister filters and maintenance required for them, that'd be excellent as well.
Thanks!
Mike