good filter?

If you don't mind the looks, HOB filters are certainly cheaper. An AC 500 or an Emperor 400 would be sufficient. If you do get an Emperor, do yourself a favor and order some AC 500 sponges. These can be cut to fit the Emp's filter wells and do a much better job at mechanical filtration. They're also nice because you don't ever have to replace the, unlike the Emp cartridges.

Canister filters aren't necessarily more expensive to run. Generally, they cost more up front, but repay you in superior filtration and longer life (not to mention being out of sight and quieter).

Lots of ways to filter your water...

Jim
 
well i might get another magnum filter in the future so i will have two.
 
Originally posted by Catlid
well i might get another magnum filter in the future so i will have two.
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From what I gather, you want 2 Magnum's but the xP-3 Filstar canister won't be enough filter..
I don't understand.
 
whats the xp3 filter, anyways well for now im just getting one magnum 350 with the bio wheels and a power head.
 
While canister have a lot media in them, at the same time, it can support a large volume of beneficial bacteria. In addition, these foams or bioballs you use can be reused over and over. Once you go canister, you don't go back to HOBs.


Originally posted by Catlid
does is still do a good job keeping the tank clean? Well i would think all canister filters would be expensive to maintains since they all have a lot of media in them. What is a good power head that actualy filters the water to, so i can have good water flow yet get the water filtered as well since i heard 350 gph is a little low for a 55g.
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Thats not true. I have had canisters before...until they broke down. I decided not to buy one again as they didn't do anything for me or my fish that the power filter couldn't do. With a cycled tank and ample supply of "good bacteria" to feed off of, canisters are just more expensive filters, nothing more.
 
Originally posted by Catlid
whats the xp3 filter, ....
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The Filstar xP-3 is a quality canister filter, Fluvals are good and popular, Eheims cost a lot but some will use only them. As far as canisters "breaking", HOB's "break" the same essential part too -- the impellers, the part that provides the water flow.

You may have heard that HOB's are good filters, but not good in planted tanks since they cause to much suface movement depleting CO2 the live plants need for better growth.

Canisters and HangOnBacks are both good filters. It depends on what you want to do with your aquarium, and somewhat on personal preference. Live plants or not, I don't think I will go back to HOB's.. Just my opinion..
 
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