Need suggestions for good filter for planted 55

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tfish

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Feb 6, 2003
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I bought my 55 gallon over a year ago and also bought an Emperor 400 to go along with it. Now that I have gotten enough courage to attempt a planted aquarium, I am finding my filter to be nothing but a HASSLE! The excess surface turbulance was causing the CO2 that I was putting in to be pushed out. I put sponges on the filter to minimize the turbulance. The CO2 concentration in my water still hasn't been fixed though. (I am measuring it via pH.) The only difference I saw in pH was when I turned my filter completely off! I am thinking that maybe the biowheels are the problem. I tried to take them out but the noise of the water was way to loud -- had to put them back. I didn't think they would make such a difference, but I guess they are?

Anyway, it seems that there is so much that I have to adjust with this filter, that I may be better just getting a whole new different one. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good filter for a 55 planted aquarium? I know a good filter is going to be pricey, but I am poor, so please keep this in mind with suggestions.

Thanks so much to everyone!:D
 
Look into a canister filter if you want to minimize surface aggitation.

www.bigalsonline.com has a good selection at some of the lowest prices that I've seen. I have ordered from them several times, and I've been pleased every single time.
Currently, I'm using both Fluval and Eheim canister filters, neither has dissapointed me yet, although from just handling the filters, it seems that the Eheim filters are built much better. Others have also used Filstar filters with good results as well, but I haven't tried those yet.
If you want more info on canister filters, I'd suggest searching the General freshwater forum, or asking there if you cannot find what your looking for... the "best" canister filter has been debated to exhaustion over there =)

HTH
-Richer
 
Its regarded that hang on back filters dont work with CO2 injected setups because they waste too much CO2. The movement of the water getting routed through the intake and circulated in the outside filter box and sprayed back onto the surface outgasses too much. I have heard of people having some success with Aquaclear HOB's slightly modified, but your best bet is a canister filter. That way you can put the output way under the surface and keep surface disruption to near 0. I've used a Fluval 404 in my 46 gallon the past year and have been happy with it. Hasnt broken or leaked or anything yet. I got it on sale for 85 dollars at bigalsonline.com. You might be able to find it similarly priced at some other online discount shop as well. I see them in pet stores for 150....rip off. It might be overkill when you look at the box and what the recommended filters are for aquarium sizes, but I like having a good current in the tank.

Keep in mind in a planted aquarium you dont need much (if any)bio filtration since your plants do that. All I fill my canister with is some sponges and filter floss and clean it out once a week. All you need is mechanical filtration. A lesser rated fluval or other canister would work also im sure, it just gives you less water flow and can be had probably for about 60 bucks. You might try selling your Emp on ebay too, I see them going for 20-30 bucks in good shape.
 
Okay, I figured canister was the way to go. I am looking at the Eheim 2213 and the Eheim ECCO 2233. Any advice on these two filters? Suggestions?
Thanks!
 
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Check out PetSolutions.com. They had the Ehiems on sale last time I looked. Great prices and good service too. Also, I would stay with the Ehiem Classic type, ie. 2233.
 
I'll have to second the Eheims. Any of the classic series are great. You could also go with a 2222 or 2224. The 2222 will give you less flow if you have delicate plants. The build quality is excellent. I've heard that the handle on the Ecco series is delicate and very easy to break...
 
I have an Eheim pro 2226 on my 55 plant tank and it does a great job...it replaced a fluval 304 about 2 and a half years ago.
 
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The 2213 is a very nice filter. Difficult to prime, but still, it is excellent value for money. Better than the Ecco IMHO.
 
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