Help me choose a new filter

H2Ogal

H2Ogal

Betta Be Good to Me
Mar 16, 2010
1,213
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Memphis, TN
Real Name
Deborah
I need recommendations for filtration for a 20g long with a shallow sand bed. Will be moderately/heavily planted. Stocking will probably be one betta, 9-12 harlequin or espei rasboras, 2-3 otos and 6 kulis.

FYI, I don't like HOBs and can't afford a good canister filter, so am looking at internals or at a powerhead/prefilter assembly, if that would be sufficient.

Most important considerations: silent operation, adjustable flow (direction and speed), and quick/easy removal of the filter media for rinsing during WCs.
 
I'd say a powerhead and a sponge filter would be the best bet. The new Hydrosponge Pro's are made with coarser foam, and won't clog as quickly. Since it will be the only filter on the tank I'd go with the 3 or 4 size rather than a smaller one.
 
Well you cut out most of your good choices by saying you didnt want a HOB or CANISTER... Really not much left other than trickle filters, or sponge filters...

I would invest in a canister filter from ebay.

I have read a lot of good reviews on SunSun filters and recently purchased one. It was 39.99 plus 20 shipping. Not a bad price for 285GPH 3 stage filter. It is a Marineland C-series knockoff, and a good one at that. So far every review ive read on it seems true and mine is functioning perfect.

Great price point for what I got. Do a search on the forum and on google for SunSun Outside filter.

You get a bunch of good accessories and media with it!

-Aaron
 
have to agree with tyler79durdan you really limit yore chose of filters if you dont go with canister or HOB's. that being said I've been really wanting to try out this design on a 20 long for while now so it might be worth looking into. yes it's made for a river tank but who doesn't want loaches :)
 
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Ozymandias said:
have to agree with tyler79durdan you really limit yore chose of filters if you dont go with canister or HOB's. that being said I've been really wanting to try out this design on a 20 long for while now so it might be worth looking into. yes it's a made for a river tank but who doesn't want loaches :)
Click to expand...

I wanted to incorporate the manifold into my AC40... But I sux and didnt... Great option Ozy... !

That river tank manifold is a really good way to filter via sponge and I have all the pvc you need for it:) (so does the store tho) :) I got the materials to make one and really forgot about it... until now!
 
Yeah, I know I limited my choices. The SunSun looks like a great deal, but I really can't do an external canister. It's not just the money. I have an open wrought stand, and no where to put a canister that my very large, inquisitive and obstinate Siamese would not be able to get to it. He'd knock it over or chew on the tubes, or both. What can I say, I love him anyway. :)

The river-tank set-up is very cool, and I'm looking at a sponge/powerhead combo. Anybody got a favorite powerhead that would work for a 20g? I don't need a torrent, as I won't be doing hillstream loaches.

Also, would love to hear recommendations for internal filters ... Fluval, Duetto, etc.
 
A good sponge filter and powerhead is actually better than an internal filter as far as picking up debris. Also easier to clean (rinse in tank water) and no media to replace. The Hydrosponges have a hollow center "cage" that you can put carbon in if necessary.
As for powerheads, I prefer aquaclear personally. Alternatively, you could use a quickfilter housing and place a sponge inside that. I use them like that for prefilters on my reverse-flow UGF setups.
 
sunsun outside multilayer filter, touch the perfection. Gotta love their marketing techniques for knock offs lol. Regardless though, it has been receiving good reviews.

SUN-HW-302.jpg
 
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