Final Decision

[water_wako]

I was going to replace my crappy, loud filter for my planted 55 gallon. I am going to get discus after this problem. I wanted something that was quiet. So I was thinking of either the Smartfilter 55, the Aquaclear 70 or the Marineland C-220. If there is a better filter please shares your thoughts.

 

[andi872]

i like my aquaclear

 

[Squawkbert]

Eheim 2217 > C220 - more flow, less money, probably more volume for media, probably quieter

on sale $120 (includes media, valves) & free shipping (for any order>$50) at BigAlsonline

PS - C220 rated for *up to* 55g tanks, 2217 is rated upto 160G tanks. - while these ratings are generally meaningless, it almost always pays to go big. This is especially true when you consider how much more "stuff" there is impeding water flow ina planted tank than there is in a (boring, lack luster) unplanted tank.
What does matter is flow rates - 220GPH for the Marineland, 264GPH for the Eheim. I don't know how they compare under different vertical lifts, but I know that Eheims usually do better over lengthy elevations than many other canister brands.