Which filter??

[jmhart]

$300 and a 55g:

Depending on the deal you can find, I'd look at:

Eheim Pro III
Eheim Pro II 2026(better yet, 2028)
or, think about getting two Rena XP2(or two XP3).


The Rena XP3 is extremely comparable to the Eheim 2026. However, it's much much cheaper, and two filters is always better than one. However, one Rena XP3 would do well for you as well.

If you end up getting a Rena, you'll have money left over to buy whatever. I recommend looking at a Hydor inline heater, I think you would appreciate it.

 

[FSM]

For $300, I think you should get a canister like an XP3, Fluval 405, Or an Eheim 2217. Then you can get a AC110 or an Emperor 400 for water polishing.

 

[jmhart]

For $300, I think you should get a canister like an XP3, Fluval 405, Or an Eheim 2217. Then you can get a AC110 or an Emperor 400 for water polishing.

If you want something for water polishing, either get a Vortex Diatom Filter, $90/new on ebay, or get a Magnum 350 w/Micron Sleeve, $80 at Big Als.

I'd recommend the Mag 350 because it's so much easier to use than a diatom filter, and unless you compare two tanks side by side, one with a diatom filter and one with a Mag 350, you'll never know the difference. On top of that, the Mag 350 can double as a filter, so you can use it for carbon if you need to pull some medicine or other organics out of the water.


So, actually, scratch my eariler comment.

Get a Rena XP3, Magnum 350, and at least one 200w Hydor Inline heater. Between Big Al's and Ken's Fish you should be able to get all that for under $300/including shipping.

 

[BoredAgain]

I'd get two Rena XP3s and one Penguin Bio-Wheel 350.

 

[krytan]

I vote eheim mines great and i will be getting another but i do keep reading good things about the XP3.

 

[chunkylover817]

thanks all for your ideas/opinions...ive decided to go with a eheim 2028 pro II and a magnum350 and inline heater. I cant wait to see how they work.thanks again.

 

[jmhart]

I have to sway, I think you made the PERFECT decision. On my main tank which is a 45g, I have a eheim pro II 2026 and Mag 350(running the micron sleeve). Perfect perfect perfect. When there is nothing else left for me to buy, I'm going to throw a Hydro inline or two on there as well.

You are really going to appreciate that setup. And, the the good news is, when(not if) you get a bigger tank, those two filters will still be perfect.