I am currently using to whisper power filters and do not like the way they work, the filter pads don't last very long and i have to change them out almost once every month or two...I am looking for a cannister filter for a 55 gallon tank (freshwater) i have seen so many but do not really know the difference. Any info on what some people use on there tanks, and such would be great. thanks
What kind of cannister filters work the best?
- Thread starter Hagermanfd
- Start date
Standby for a variety of "I think this is best.."
It will really come down to personal preference. They all have similar features, various prices and capabilities, and the manufacturers all claim to be the best.
I prefer Magnum 350s.
It will really come down to personal preference. They all have similar features, various prices and capabilities, and the manufacturers all claim to be the best.
I prefer Magnum 350s.
I agree. Ive been straining mine as a third filter on my 180gallon for close to year now. Had a few problems, but it still has really good flow. As for the best, there is a bunches of dems. How much money you wanna spend is a key factor also. Ive used eheim, rena, aquael, magnum, cascade, pennplax. My personal faves are the eheim and rena- eheim for the reliability and ease of use, and rena for the same reasons plus price.Undoubtedly, i use a Mag 350 also, for the price, i feel its the best deal. IMO...
my 1.9999999999cents
This is an excerpt from one of the many top Canister Filters breakdowns online:
Top 6 Canister Filters
From Shirlie Sharpe,
Your Guide to Freshwater Aquariums
1. Eheim Canister Filters
View Full-SizeBoasting a high throughput rate and durability, the Eheim is the quietest canister on the market. I like the compact design and easy to handle latches. My only complaint is the lack of self-priming, a common problem in canister filers. However, priming is vastly improved in the Ecco and Pro II series. Although pricier than other brands, I've found that over time Eheim out performs them.
2. Magnum
View Full-SizeMagnum balances price with some of the best features in a canister. It is self-priming, quiet, and offers convertible filtration modes, including the option of adding a matching Biowheel system. The clear canister makes it easy to see the condition of the filter. Optional gravel cleaner is a nice perk to an all around great package.
3. Fluval
Fluval produces one of the most economic, yet efficient, multi-media filters available. Learning a lesson from their older models that were too tall and unwieldy to service, the redesigned models are compact, and sport larger latches similar to the Eheim products. Priming is still a headache, and they tend to be noisy if not properly filled. In spite of that, you can't go wrong with a Fluval.
4. Proquatics
If it weren't for the lack of performance data, this filter might rival Magnum and Fluval. The unit is built with the same top-notch features, such as self-priming, easily removed media basket, large easy to release latches, and top mounted swiveling flow controls. So far I've been very impressed with its performance.
Vendor's Site
5. Rena FilStar Canister Filter
Although less well known that other canisters, the FilStar has many of the same features. The self locking water shutoff system is a nice touch, and the price is very competitive with other canister filters of the same size.
6. ViaAqua
ViaAqua has moved beyond their popular powerheads and pumps and is offering a line of canister filters. Recessed handles, large media baskets, shut-off valves, in addition to low prices, make them highly competative with other canister filters.
For the most part, all of the info I've seen is just according to what the individual buyer prefers.
FOR ME, I've used Eheim, Fluval, a ViaAqua ( I think that's what it was ) & I settled over the years on Magnum 350's b/c they were self priming & the price was pretty good for what you got.
Now the downside that I've had with all of the Canister Filters that I've ever owned was when they had problems they leaked & water damage when they do,....b/c of the tubes from the Canister to the Aquarium.
Also if you had more than one filter in a confined space, it could/can get a little confusing & not as easy to service over time & I've learned that it's best to make the upkeep of your aquarium as simple & easy as possible, so you'll continue to do them in a timely manner.
I have almost all HOT Magnums on my tanks for that very reason.
JMOpinion
LJx
Top 6 Canister Filters
From Shirlie Sharpe,
Your Guide to Freshwater Aquariums
1. Eheim Canister Filters
View Full-SizeBoasting a high throughput rate and durability, the Eheim is the quietest canister on the market. I like the compact design and easy to handle latches. My only complaint is the lack of self-priming, a common problem in canister filers. However, priming is vastly improved in the Ecco and Pro II series. Although pricier than other brands, I've found that over time Eheim out performs them.
2. Magnum
View Full-SizeMagnum balances price with some of the best features in a canister. It is self-priming, quiet, and offers convertible filtration modes, including the option of adding a matching Biowheel system. The clear canister makes it easy to see the condition of the filter. Optional gravel cleaner is a nice perk to an all around great package.
3. Fluval
Fluval produces one of the most economic, yet efficient, multi-media filters available. Learning a lesson from their older models that were too tall and unwieldy to service, the redesigned models are compact, and sport larger latches similar to the Eheim products. Priming is still a headache, and they tend to be noisy if not properly filled. In spite of that, you can't go wrong with a Fluval.
4. Proquatics
If it weren't for the lack of performance data, this filter might rival Magnum and Fluval. The unit is built with the same top-notch features, such as self-priming, easily removed media basket, large easy to release latches, and top mounted swiveling flow controls. So far I've been very impressed with its performance.
Vendor's Site
5. Rena FilStar Canister Filter
Although less well known that other canisters, the FilStar has many of the same features. The self locking water shutoff system is a nice touch, and the price is very competitive with other canister filters of the same size.
6. ViaAqua
ViaAqua has moved beyond their popular powerheads and pumps and is offering a line of canister filters. Recessed handles, large media baskets, shut-off valves, in addition to low prices, make them highly competative with other canister filters.
For the most part, all of the info I've seen is just according to what the individual buyer prefers.
FOR ME, I've used Eheim, Fluval, a ViaAqua ( I think that's what it was ) & I settled over the years on Magnum 350's b/c they were self priming & the price was pretty good for what you got.
Now the downside that I've had with all of the Canister Filters that I've ever owned was when they had problems they leaked & water damage when they do,....b/c of the tubes from the Canister to the Aquarium.
Also if you had more than one filter in a confined space, it could/can get a little confusing & not as easy to service over time & I've learned that it's best to make the upkeep of your aquarium as simple & easy as possible, so you'll continue to do them in a timely manner.
I have almost all HOT Magnums on my tanks for that very reason.
JMOpinion
LJx
all almost the same. i use rena and mags just picked up a eheim for a really good price. didnt like the fluval cuz mine broke every other month it seemed.
echoofformless
Peat Advocate & Defender Of Snails
I've had good experiences with Fluvals, Renas and now I have my first Eheim - an ECCO Comfort.
To be honest, the Eheim has turned out to be the noisiest.
The Rena is the only one that ever came DOA. But keep in mind this is also the third one I have purchased. And the exchange unit ran perfectly.
The Fluval has shown itself the quietest, and has been running the longest. It's a 104.
I like the ease of use for the Eheim.
The power and cost effectiveness of the Rena.
The silence of the Fluval.
I don't like that Rena's intake tube is bright blue. It stands out like a sore thumb.
I don't like that Fluval's flexible tubes are anything but flexible.
I don't like that Eheim's tubes are narrower in diameter than the others - which means reduced flow rate, and more clogging potential.
I like that Renas come with many output attachments.
I like that Fluvals are easy to maintenance and seem to go the longest without requiring said maintenance.
I like that Eheim ECCOs allow infinite media choices and the green intake/output tubes practically disappear behind my plants.
Those are my experiences.
To be honest, the Eheim has turned out to be the noisiest.
The Rena is the only one that ever came DOA. But keep in mind this is also the third one I have purchased. And the exchange unit ran perfectly.
The Fluval has shown itself the quietest, and has been running the longest. It's a 104.
I like the ease of use for the Eheim.
The power and cost effectiveness of the Rena.
The silence of the Fluval.
I don't like that Rena's intake tube is bright blue. It stands out like a sore thumb.
I don't like that Fluval's flexible tubes are anything but flexible.
I don't like that Eheim's tubes are narrower in diameter than the others - which means reduced flow rate, and more clogging potential.
I like that Renas come with many output attachments.
I like that Fluvals are easy to maintenance and seem to go the longest without requiring said maintenance.
I like that Eheim ECCOs allow infinite media choices and the green intake/output tubes practically disappear behind my plants.
Those are my experiences.