New to Canister Filters

[OgreMkV]

So it looks like I'm getting a canister filter whether I wanted to or not.

I have been reading about the HOT Magnum 250 and 350 models (without the power wheel because I don't know if it would fit on the tank.) They seem like good machines, but several people seem to have those AND something else.

So are they not good enough for a 55g community tank by themselves (think Tetras, Cories, and danios)? What about biological filtration?

My other choice would be a Eheim classic. Hey, I'm already in debt with this hobby, what's another $100 bucks?

I'm going to shower, then going shopping. Let me know what you think.

 

[musho3210]

get one with the power-wheel (technically called a bio-wheel) since that will be the main biological filtration, the canister will do about 2-3 feet of the tanks filtration so on the other end of the tank, hook up a HOB filter or just get 2 HOT magnums, your choice. Get an Aqua-clear for the other end of the tank since you wont need the bio-wheel that the magnum will have anyway. I believe Dr. Foster and smith has a sale on the Magnums and petsmart online has a sale for the Rena filters (another company that makes canisters)

This one is not the HOT
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3595&N=2004+22777

This one is the HOT
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3598&N=2004+22777


I would go with the XP3 from petsmart if they still have the sale, its a better deal money wise.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp
Pick the xp3, then on the shopping cart page type in the code: XP3XP4 (i think it is case sensitive). Free shipping so it brings the price down to 74.99 dollars. Much better deal money wise.

 

[Rbishop]

You know my preference from the discussion in chat.

 

[Weezer]

You know my preference from the discussion in chat.

I would think some type of canister and power fillter would do a great job in a 55 gal....I missed your preference, but i think i know what you mean...


:dance2:

 

[OgreMkV]

The problem is that I can't use an HOB filter because of the tank design. I'm fairly certain a bio-wheel wouldn't mount correctly as well. See this thread...

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109790

Petsmart has a deal on the Eheim ecco ($84), but they are totally backordered and the local store doesn't have any. Petco has it, but it's $160. The Rena XP3 is $104 and I'm thinking that one of those two would be better than the Magnum 350. (The 350 w/bio wheel is the same price as the Renam but I can't use the bio wheel.)

 

[musho3210]

rena is 74.99 with coupon code i gave you....\\My tank has a rim like that and i can fit a HOB.

 

[Rbishop]

What kind of HOB. They differ on how wide of a rim they will fit

 

[musho3210]

a penguin bio-wheel fit as well as a top fin HOB.

 

[Weezer]

I would like to check out the new C-360 but petco and petsmart only have the smaller ones,i'v seen them on e-bay but i would like to see one in person......

:dance2:

 

[Rbishop]

Somebody posted the link to the video on how to assemble one. The Brit version by Tetra tec. I have one coming this week.