Deciding on filter (living room tank)

[mygoldendoe]

Like I mentioned in my introduction post iv got a new tank that I think is a 30gal tall. I originally planned to use my existing filter (10yrs old) that wasn't in use for 2yrs.
But it's not got a lot of intake power, I think bc my impeller is broke (it's rattling a lot off & on) but I've already had issues with it in past and replaced it before so it's time to move onto a new filter.

This is first time I get to have an aquarium in the living room so I need minimum noise. Iv read alot of good things bout Penn plax Cascade internal 600. But since I'm used to cleaning the carbon media once a month on my aquatech 30-60 power filter I'm not sure I'll like to deal with an internal filter. Iv never had a canister style but would consider it if it's easy to clean monthly like the hang over kind.

So if anyone has used multiple types of filters please speak up on what you think would be best for easy monthly maintenance with very little motor noise. We don't mind water movement noise but even when my impeller wasn't broke it still had a loud motor hum that got sooo annoying but it's all my Walmart carries. I have to drive 2 hrs away to get more fish for existing old fellas and still have 3days before checking how my fishless cycle is doing. So could still be another week depending on readings so I have plenty time to think thinks over.

 

[OrionGirl]

There are pros and cons to each. I like canisters since they do tend to be quieter, and much of the sound is further muffled by the stand. Put a prefilter sponge on the intake, and that stops large debris from getting in so they don't require frequent cleaning.

I ran aquaclears for years, though, and quite like how easy they are to clean, work on, and the flexibility to run different media easily. If they're maintained, they are quiet as well, unless you let the water level drop to the point where there is splash--but that's true of any filter.

Things to consider: what are you going to stock? Planted? how frequently will do you do water changes, and of what size?

 

[mygoldendoe]

There are pros and cons to each....
Things to consider: what are you going to stock? Planted? how frequently will do you do water changes, and of what size?

I had planned to get a couple more neon tetras, peppered Cory cat and zebra danios for my older ones that still on kicking. The oldest one is 9yrs old. Youngest is 4yrs old.. I haven't completely considered anything else right now since iv got awhile before I drive out to get em.
I only have fake plants but I do have natural hardwood (doing the seperate bucket til it's clear and waterlogged route before adding.)
Iv never had need for water changes (as in take water out, put new water in) except if it didn't take to cycling well in the beginning. My aquariums were kept away from natural light in the bedroom. Rarely used the overhead lamp bc my room light was pretty bright. Everything stayed smoothly I guess bc of the natural evaporation and what I added counted as equivalent of water changes.
I'm not sure how this one will fair in water changes but my previous 50gal breeder tank had natural evaporated to need about 2gal once a week added back and my current 10gal gets natural evaporated to need 1gal every 3-4days added back. This tank is in a different room tho so not sure how it'll effect it.
Iv just started the cycle on this one. I let it go for a week on its own before checking& messing with it. Iv got 3 more days before I check it's levels. So who knows where it's at right now.
I'm as far as size goes I think k this take equals a 30gal tall.. it's measurements are 12.25"W x 30"L x 18.75"H

 

[LesbianChap]

For that size tank, I typically go for a good HOB...AquaClears used to be my go-to because of the media options, but since I last ran them a few more options seem to have joined the market. I go with a filter that's designed around reusable media (like the sponges in the AquaClear) as I find the long-term costs of running one is much lower than one that uses disposable filter cartridges...the only media you'd actually have to replace would be the carbon, if you chose to use it.

As for model(s) I'd probably go with two AquaClear 30s or an Aquaclear 50 (I like to have enough filtration to filter roughly twice the tank volume I actually have).

The Fluval C2/C3 would be one of the newer HOBs that has similar media flexibility that I've seen good reviews on, but I haven't used one myself.

I think I remember hearing of a third brand that used similar styled media mentioned recently, but I can't recall who made it. If I stumble across it soon, I'll try to add it.

 

[mygoldendoe]

For that size tank, I typically go for a good HOB...AquaClears used to be my go-to because of the media options, but since I last ran them a few more options seem to have joined the market. I go with a filter that's designed around reusable media (like the sponges in the AquaClear) as I find the long-term costs of running one is much lower than one that uses disposable filter cartridges...the only media you'd actually have to replace would be the carbon, if you chose to use it.

As for model(s) I'd probably go with two AquaClear 30s or an Aquaclear 50 (I like to have enough filtration to filter roughly twice the tank volume I actually have).

The Fluval C2/C3 would be one of the newer HOBs that has similar media flexibility that I've seen good reviews on, but I haven't used one myself.

I think I remember hearing of a third brand that used similar styled media mentioned recently, but I can't recall who made it. If I stumble across it soon, I'll try to add it.

Thank you I'll do some research into those kinds. Having only one brand in the 30-60 size in our town has really left me out of the filter loop but now that ordering things is a lot more easier now a days I'm really hoping to be able to get a great one.
Yeah I think running my 30-60 on my 50 is what wore it out. But after 10yrs it's probably stayed kicking longer than it should have lol

 

[OrionGirl]

Get a test kit as well. Without water changes, there is no method of nitrate removal, and just topping off for evaporation concentrates wastes even further.

 

[mygoldendoe]

Get a test kit as well. Without water changes, there is no method of nitrate removal, and just topping off for evaporation concentrates wastes even further.

I have one. I always had normal readings in past (except during cycling at beginning), not worried about this. When the one week free cycle is over I plan to test and make changes where I need too.
Just needing input on ppls experience with filters since my store only carries the one brand for years

 

[fishorama]

I like 2 filters on 20g or larger tanks; any combo of HOBs/or canisters. That way, once your tank is cycled, you can thoroughly clean 1 filter every 2-4 weeks as needed; especially with pre-filters on the intakes..

I am NOT a fan of no water changes! That is my single most important regular tank maintenance routine.

As OrionGirl said, unless you test, you don't really know what's happening in your tank. AFTER you know (for several weeks) you MAY be able to slack off...or not, depending on your test results over time.

Ya know, we live in the age of online ordering. It may be time to look into options, lol.

 

[LesbianChap]

The Seachem Tidal was the one I was remembering but couldn't find earlier. It's rather new on the market, and I don't have experience with it, but it'd be the third option I'd consider due to how the media works...though the smallest model of the Tidal I can find is rated for a 55.

 

[mygoldendoe]

I like 2 filters on 20g or larger tanks; any combo of HOBs/or canisters. That way, once your tank is cycled, you can thoroughly clean 1 filter every 2-4 weeks as needed; especially with pre-filters on the intakes..

I am NOT a fan of no water changes! That is my single most important regular tank maintenance routine.

As OrionGirl said, unless you test, you don't really know what's happening in your tank. AFTER you know (for several weeks) you MAY be able to slack off...or not, depending on your test results over time.

Ya know, we live in the age of online ordering. It may be time to look into options, lol.

I do test water regularly. Like I said before after the cycling faze I have had normal readings so I don't mess with it. Can't fix something that's not broke.