On just about any tank, I want more than one filter, largely for redundancy. If one fails, the other is still there to pick up the slack. My current preference is to have one filter set up primarily for mechanical filtration and one set up primarily for biofiltration. I like the HOT Magnum with a PHAS sponge over the intake as a prefilter for mechanical filtration and a prefiltered Eheim canister set up in bio-only mode (see RTR's great article at http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquamag/cannister.html for details).
I think Emperors and Penguins are fine choices for HOT filters, and Aquaclears are OK, too (although the foam pads are a bit less dense than I would like). I've not been impressed at all with Whispers and I won't ever buy another of them.
Ultimately, your choice of filtration should be guided as much by what you put in your tank (number and type of fish, plants) as by the size of it.
HTH,
Jim
I think Emperors and Penguins are fine choices for HOT filters, and Aquaclears are OK, too (although the foam pads are a bit less dense than I would like). I've not been impressed at all with Whispers and I won't ever buy another of them.
Ultimately, your choice of filtration should be guided as much by what you put in your tank (number and type of fish, plants) as by the size of it.
HTH,
Jim
