Filter Question---Again

s7rayd0g

AC Members
May 5, 2007
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I had asked a filter question previously regarding a freshwater tropical community setup in a 29.

I now have a 50 gallon tank stocked with 4 quarter-sized fantail goldfish and a few snails, 1 rubberlip pleco, and 1 candystripe pleco.

My question is, the filter I had for the 29 was good for up to 50 gallons (AquaClear). I am currently using it on the 50 gallon until I can get something bigger. I am aware that it is not sufficient for long term use.

I'm looking into everything, but my concern is that the tank has a wood lip on the top and bottom (where the plastic would normally be on a standard tank). This prevents the HOBs from sitting on the back properly--it creates a huge gap where the water spills over, and the intake tubing doesn't reach down as far.

So I'm considering a canister filter. I am looking to spend about $150. I know I can get a Rena Filstar XP3 for that. Is that a good canister? The 50 gallon had the smallest Rena Filstar canister on it when I got it, but it was not taken care of and it did not work very well (or at all half the time) and frankly, my lack of experience with a canister filter makes me wary of them. I was considering the largest AquaClear, but again, the wood lip does not allow it to sit on the back properly (and no, the wooden lip cannot be removed without a LOT of difficulty and possibly damaging the tank). The same goes for the Emperer...it won't sit right because of the lip.

I know I can get 2 used Rena Filstar XP3s for about $50...should I go with that option and have 2 canister filters on there? Should I risk getting a used canister filter at all or should I just go with something new? Are the Jebo Odyssea CFS4 Four Stage Canister filters any good? Any advice is appreciated.

BTW, in regards to my previous question (about pH), I took the wood out.
 
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definitley get the XP3's.

id take out the plecos. not only are they not compatable with any coldwater fish because the need higher temps, but they are big waste producers. with a tank full of goldfish, you'll want to keep the "etra' bioload besides the goldfish as low as possible to make sure your water quality stays under control.
 
I was told the plecos were compatible---my local fish store keeps plecos in their unheated indoor pond (my aquarium is unheated as well and stays in the low 70s). I know they produce a lot of waste---is there an alternative to keep the algae down?
 
Algae down....

Limiting the light and using the proper kind.

Water changes.

Flourish Excel.

Scrubbing/manual removal.

If a tropical tank the SAE is the best overall choice. You can also go with otos and possibly CAEs if you want to risk them getting more aggressive with age.
 
Mag 350.
 
I would go with the xp3's. They are great filters and should work out for you just fine. Forget the Jebo Odessya filters or whatever they are called. They are junk filters.

Marinemom
 
I was told the plecos were compatible---my local fish store keeps plecos in their unheated indoor pond (my aquarium is unheated as well and stays in the low 70s). I know they produce a lot of waste---is there an alternative to keep the algae down?

they were wrong.. sorry. :)

get an algae scrubber.. it's the most effective method, and it has no bioload. ;)
 
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