Best canister for a 29 gallon

[Hound]

I'm puting my vote in for a Fluval 204 or maybe 304. Not sure if the 304 would be to much current for what your setting up, but I tend to like the current myself.

When I was looking at canister filters I was guided away from the Fluval 204 because it is an internal filter and I have a planted tank

I think you were probably looking at the Fluval 2 or Fluval 4 filters which are internal filters. The Fluval 204 is an external cannister. This all being said when your looking at filters the 04 Fluvals are being replaced by the 05 series now, but they are still the same filter.

 

[Hurley]

I'm leaning towards the XP2,I want something really quiet.

How quiet are these?

A quiet filter was important to me too becuase I have a roommate and needed something that wouldn't bother her. Also, mine is right next to my bed and I never hear it.

I think you were probably looking at the Fluval 2 or Fluval 4 filters which are internal filters. The Fluval 204 is an external cannister. This all being said when your looking at filters the 04 Fluvals are being replaced by the 05 series now, but they are still the same filter.

My bad! You are right, it was actually the Fluval 3 Plus. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Watcher74]

I recommend getting two filters. One external cannister filter like the Fluval 204 that has been mentioned or what have you, plus a small internal filter.

It comes in handy, if you need to set up a hospital/quarantine tank of if one of the filter stops working for some reason. Redundancy is the safest route.

 

[mikesoverhere]

Can I get some opinions on who thinks what is the absolute best canister filer for a heavily planted 29 gallon

Model #s would be helpful

Is bigger the better?
Thanks

As a couple of people said add more filters an under gravel with a power head but get the EVEN FLOW it has multiple dials on it for diffrent settings.
Closest to farthest from the power head and grab that Python gravel vaccum hose set it's amazing no buckets involved, remember the more you invest the easier it is to maintain it,My 90 gallon tank has. eheim 2217 canister, 802 aqua clear power head with even flow under gravel plus another 802 aqua clear power head with an aquaclear double plastic cartridge quick filter NICE
no problems for 13 years.

 

[cherrypie]

I'll add a vote for a Fluval 204 or 205... 300 series would create a fair bit of current in a tank that size, which wouldn't be too good for a heavily planted situation, the 200 series is still turning over more than the magical 4x tank volume per hour so it's definently adequate. You get a 3 year warranty and the parts are readily available pretty much anywhere in the world, so if you manage to damage the impeller or break something else it wont be a drama.

 

[TKOS]

Actually as long as you take care in the placement of the output, the fluval 304 doesn't create too much current. I can make it so there is barely a ripple on the surface of my 29 gallon using a fluval 304. And the area that gets the most current sems to be the spot that my white clouds love to play in the most.

 

[justintoxicated]

I just put a 204 in my 20 gallon, it is overkill for a 20 gallon. 204 or 304 will both be Plenty for your tank. The 204 is pretty large, i think I must hold a gallon of water lol.

They recomend you place the filters below the tank, I still do not understand why they can't be places at the same level after priming.

They have a little hand pump and if you pup it quickly it will siphon water in and fill itself up. the 204's are on sale right now for great prices due to the 5 series. I got mine from Dr Fosters for $55. I would recomend a 204 for your tank, or if you have the space you could do a 304, but a 204 should be fine.