Filter Recommendations?

O

Opicana

AC Members
May 13, 2006
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Toledo, Ohio
I am looking for recommendations on filters for a 55g planted community tank...

- Yes, I am going to put 2 filters...that much I know :)
- I am looking primarily for power filter recommendations as canisters are out of my price range

Thanks in advance :)
 
If I may be so bold, how about a HOB Canister filter? Kens fish has the Marineland H.O.T. Magnum 250 for $45 each. Two of those on a 55 should be great, that is with the polisher running 24-7.

http://www.kensfish.com/marinelandcanisterfilters.html

There are several options with these two filters running on the same tank.

1. One filter has the micron sleeve running 24/7, the other has bio-media in the carbon basket with the bonded sleeve over the basket
2. Both run the micron sleeve 24/7 and let the tank handle the bio-load
3. Same as option 2 except both have a Rena Foam 30 foam pad in the canister.
4. Run both with the bonded sleeve over the carbon basket and bio-media in the basket.


Most would argue two AC 110s, while a good filter I just think the HOT Magnums offer a little more flexibility for the same price.

Also, for only $20 more a Rena XP3 should work. For about $70 you can use a single Mag 350 and do something similar could also work. Canisters are not near as expensive as they used to be.
 
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What kind of maintenance do you need to do on a canister filter? I've read that they are a bit more work, and I know nothing about them.
 
I should also probably mention that neatness/aesthetics/space are all considerations as the tank will be one of the 1st things people see when entering my home.
 
Mine only takes a few minutes once every week to two weeks, depending on how much dirt I disturb.

Usually with the XP filters all you need to do really is rinse out the foam pads and replace the micron pad when it clogs. Only takes a few minutes. Be sure though to rinse out the pads in OLD tank water, like when doing a water change. DO NOT rinse them out under tap water.

The Micron cartridges for the Magnum filters are a little more work. For a 350, all I do is disconnect the hoses, transport over to the sink, replace the cartridge, hook it back up and turn back on. To clean the cartridge though you need to soak in a 1/3 bleach solution (1 part of bleach to 3 parts of water) over night, and take like a garden hose or something that has some pressure to it, and spray out all the junk. Works like a charm. Been running those micron cartridges 24-7 for about 2-3 months, never have seen cleaner water. Never had to replace those cartridges either.
 
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I have an XP2 and an XP3 on my 55g. But, I had great success with one XP3 and an AC 110. Perhaps an AC 110 and a HOT 250 would work for you. But for the price of those together you could get a canister.
 
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