Which should I use

[ImALittleFishy]

I am setting up a 55 gallon, which I plan on being planted. I have a choice of using a filstar xp3 or peng 330. Which do you think would be good for the planted tank? The other will stay on the other 55(unplanted), until I get enough money to buy another filter. (I like having 2 on all my aquariums, just in case)
Also, between Laterite, flourish?, and the new black stuff with supposal bacteria in it, which would be best to go under the gravel? Going to have:
4 Angels
4 boesemani rainbows
1 bumblebee South American
1 cuckoo catfish
unplanted current 55 gallon:
3 striped silver dollars
2 silver dollars
1 black-banded leporinus
1 pimelodid
2 julies
I think the unplanted would be the messiest? Also, any other suggestions, before I do this :idea2: pretty much an emergency split to get overstocked tank under control. Thanks

 

[djlen]

The Filstar is the better choice, IMO. I'm happy with mine.
The Flourite is the better choice as well. No mess and lasts virtually forever.
If you have not put it in yet, take two handfuls of plain, ground up peat moss and sprinkle a dusting over the bottom of the tank. Rinse your Flourite and lay about 1" over the peat moss.
Then wring out you sponges from your other tank into a bucket and siphon the mulm over the 1". Then lay in the balance of the Flourite over that and fill slowly. It will cut the maturation process of your tank by months.
Hope you are not intending to put Silver Dollars into the planted tank. This would not be a good choice.

Len

 

[ImALittleFishy]

No, silver dollars will be in the unplanted (2 tanks listed above). I wanted to know which filter I should use for which aquarium, I currently have both filters. Should I use xp3 on planted,with the fish I mentioned or the 330, I believe the unplanted will need the extra power? Thanks for the reply.
Any more ideas on the substrate?