(Part 3) Best aquarium filters according to redditors
We found 1,038 Reddit comments discussing the best aquarium filters. We ranked the 190 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
I would suggest and a penguin filter. Or any filter with a Bio wheel. Here is why. On Amazon Penguin 100B for up to 20 gallons.
I wouldn't get too big of a filter for it, as Betta's natural environment are the still waters of the rice patties. When there is lots of water flow, there fins act as a sail and they get pushed around the tank. When this happens they will either clamp there fins to prevent the water from carrying them away, or they will find a corner or the bottom where its not as turbulent, and hang out there. either way, they wont be showing off. Which is usually the reason people get bettas. For there beauty.
As far as the lighting for plants go, Slow growing plants like crypts are what your going to want, as you don't have any co2 injection going on, or High intensity lighting. Here is a great list of plants. look at the ones that fit the size of your tank (up to 16" or 40cm) I hope some of this was helpful.
Canister filters may be more expensive than HOB filters, but they're well worth the price. My experience comes from using a Fluval 306 on a 40 gallon tank.
In short, I'll never go back to HOB filters again. It's canister all the way from here on out.
This sounds like a nightmare!! Why would you get the axolotls without a cycled tank?? That is very hard on those lil doods when they’re so little! I think they’ll make it, but run to the store and buy Seachem Prime and double dose your water to condition and help establish the tank quicker. If you have a 20 Gallon with 3 Axos in it, you HAVE to get more than a sponge filter, get a HOB filter meant for 20 Gallon, they’re literally like $30
Amazon Link
Definitely daily 50% water change until you get a filter setup.
I'd be happy to chime in!
What are the dimensions of the 60 gallon. I had one that was 48"x15"x20", but in my experience there are some different 60 gallon dimensions out there.
>The main fish I want is an Electric Blue Johanni, so I just need to know which 2 other species can coexist with this fish and in which order they need to be added.
Lots of other mbuna work with Pseudotropheus Cyaneorhabdos "Maingano" (that's the proper scientific and it's proper hobby nickname-Electric Blue Johanni adds too much confusion), it really depends what colors and shapes you want in the tank. The only thing you'll want to stay clear of is other blue and black striped fish, which rules out most Melanochromis, and Pseudotropheus Johannii. The order that you add the fish is dependent on which fish you get and how you're going to cycle the tank as well as your fish budget. I'm a huge proponent of having a robust fishless cycle and then adding all your juveniles at once--far less headaches that way.
>I am also not sure on which substrate I need to use. Sand or crushed coral?
Either of those would be fine. I've used Pool Filter Sand as a cheap and attractive substrate for years, but it will keep your silicate level very high in the tank which is going to mean you'll always have diatoms. Some phosphate/silicate absorbing resins can help with that but never eliminate it. Crushed coral definitely works, but because it's so soft and irregular it's hard to keep clean and will break down and need to be replenished periodically. I personally am a fan of the fine grain Ecco complete cichlid sand. It's calcium based, but more regularly shaped. Either way, mbuna are going to like a nice sandy substrate to dig in, sift, and landscape. In the end it becomes a price point as you can get enough PFS for 10 bucks for your tank, but ecco complete will cost 60-80.
>Do I need to put anything under the substrate like an egg crate? I am going to be putting a lot of rocks in the tank.
I've used egg crate in tanks that are tall that I'm concerned about dropping rocks while i'm moving things around and cleaning, but the truth is as long as you build your hardscape correctly (bottom rocks directly on the glass, sand then added, and then other rocks on top) it's really only there as something that will make you feel a little better without really doing anything. It also is kind of ugly when your fish expose it. And they will. If you're nervous by nature it doesn't hurt to add it, but I find it to be an unnecessary expenditure.
And with mbuna you want a TON of rocks (not literally, but in my 110 i had nearly 300 lbs of real rocks mixed in with 150 dollars worth of cichlid stones--which I highly recommend if you're looking at extra decor options). Your initial instinct will be to make caves, but I find that if you just stack the rocks and try to make things look natural your fish will find plenty of caves. You're also going to have to break down your tank occasionally, so I don't recommend siliconing rocks together or falling in love with a layout.
Let's take a quick look at your wish list, a quick caveat--Amazon will have low prices a lot of the time, but most of the online pet stores will be able to beat their prices pretty handily and also offer free shipping if you're spending more than 50 dollars. I use Kensfish a lot because they are so dang cheap, but shop around, you'll be amazed at the money you can save!:
>Aquarium Tank Aeration Green Plastic Casing Bubble Air Stone 12" >Offered by uxcell. $5.25 1 0
>Lee's Sleek Airline Tubing, 25-Foot, Black $6.35 1 0
>Tetra 77855 Whisper Air Pump, 100-Gallon $21.22 1 0
If you like air bubbles, there's no reason to not have them, but if you're going to run air into the tank, instead of just a bubble wall, really consider a sponge filter or two for extra filtration (as well as having a cycled filter always handy for an emergency fry, hospital, or quarantine tank). You'll definitely want to look into a gang valve which allows you to power several air implements at once, and a check valve which will keep your aquarium from siphoning out your air hose and onto your floor if there's a air pump failure or a power outage.
>API Freshwater Master Test Kit $24.99 1 0
>Oakton EcoTestr pH 2 Waterproof pH Tester, 0.0 to 14.0 pH Range $51.29 1 0
The Master Kit is all you'll need (though having GH/KH is useful while starting out the tank--it won't get much use after you have fish in the tank. The EcoTestr isn't a bad product, but it's 50 dollars and the API kit comes with a pretty easy to read pH test...not sure why you'd want/need another kit especially for something like pH.
>Seachem Prime 500ml $12.02 1 0
>25 Foot - Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System $39.99 1 0
Both must haves for me and great choices
>Fluval 406 External Filter Offered by AquaCave, Inc. $189.98 1 0
>Penn Plax Cascade 1200 GPH Canister Filter Offered by One Way Pet. $117.86 1 0
So you want a canister, I can understand but a anything less than a 90 gallon I tend to run HOB power filters. The 406 is a very nice product, but you can get a much better deal for a different kind of canister than you'll pay for that right now. I would steer you away from the Cascade. I don't have personal experience with them, but that's because they have sort of a bad reputation with the people I know that have tried them. I'll use amazon for this.
API Filstar XP-L this filter is 158.99 right now, and it will outperform the 406 in GPH and media volume handily. It's not as pretty as the fluval, and the host attachments aren't as well built, but it's a workhorse.
I won't link, but also look at the eheim 2215 for your tank. Eheims are the BMWs of canister filters. For 100 bucks you get a filter that will out perform anything i've mentioned and do so for years and do it more quietly than any other canister. The drawbacks are it can be hard to prime, it has no media trays, and they're a pain to clean.
For a bargain entry you can find an Aquatop or SUnSun with UV sterilization for under 100. These filters aren't the most well made, but will work for years (though not as quietly as some of the others I've mentioned). They're cheap, but reliable. If eheim are BMWs, Aquatop/SunSun are Hyundais
A couple of things I"ve noticed you don't have yet:
Hope that helped!
edit: some formatting
Thank you!
Mr. Aqua 12g Long Tank (standard glass)
Keynice Digital Thermometer
NICREW ClassicLED Plus
Hygger Submersible Heater
Fluval C2 Power Filter
Dr. Tims Ammonia Chloride (for cycling)
Vintage Dark Brown Console Table (for stand)
(Seachem Flourite, Standard Aquarium Gravel, Polished River Rocks, Black Glass Rock, Blue Glass Rock)
(Monte Carlo, Dwarf Hair Grass, Red Pearl Amazon Sword)
Here's the Amazon link to the model I have. The difference between this model and earlier ones is it has handles for easier transport, and they replaced some silicone parts with a more durable plastic.
Sunsun HW-704b
Here is what I am running. It seems to work pretty well.
https://www.amazon.com/SC-Aquariums-SCA-301-Protein-Skimmer/dp/B00CML49CK
Amazon has that style as well.
Grech (SUNSUN) GW-304B or the API XP-L are the best options in your budget.
For an even cheaper option, SUNSUN HW-302B. Smaller than the GW-304B and less flow, but still enough for a well stocked 55g.
I have one of the GW-304B models, and three HW-302B models. They're by far the best bang for your buck filters out there. Just depends on how much flow you want between the two. A friend of mine has an API XP-L (They used to be called Rena XP3 - I believe API's parent company purchased Rena).
The Marina Slim S20 is a really affordable and quiet HOB filter. I had an S10 for my previous 5G tank, when I upgraded to a 20 it came with some Aqueon “silent” HOB but it vibrated a lot.
Grabbed the S20 and it’s completely silent except for the water falling into the tank, depending on how high you keep your water. I’d strongly recommend it for the price, and if you don’t like it, Amazon has a good return policy.
I use both, as both have their own benefits/drawbacks when it comes to filtration & tank cycling. I personally try to cram as much of both material as I can into each of my filters, in order to increase beneficial bacteria surface area. Having a large amount of BB allows for the tank to remain cycled more easily, which protects your inhabitants from dangerous nitrate & ammonia levels. Here’s a detailed article discussing different types of filters & media that I thought might help.
I also use Purigen in my 40gal breeder, & have had a great time with it. I use it especially in my 40gal bc I have large piece of driftwood in their that leech tannins. And due to the shrimp/guppy population in there, there’s a lot of food/poop junk being thrown around, so I use the Purigen to help deal with some of the excess nitrates.
Sponges are very handy, as they double as both mechanical & biological filtration. Oftentimes, the terms “sponges” & “foam” get used interchangeably. Although it may seem a bit confusing, they are usually referring to the same thing. There are varying kinds of sponges/foam, & they are differentiated by the size/amount of holes they have, which is known as the Pores Per Inch (PPI). Finer sponges/provide more surface area for the BB to colonize, but can clog more quickly, increasing the frequency in which you have to service your filters. Coarser sponges/foam won’t clog as easily, but might not provide as much filtration, has less surface area for the BB, & may allow small shrimp/fry to get sucked into the filter intake.
>As a side note, I use & highly recommend Poret Foam Swiss Tropicals. It’s specifically meant to be used in the aquatic hobby, has uniform cell sizes, & is backed by lots of research. You can read his research here.
Ceramic filter media is very versatile & lasts a long time. Hobbyists often use ceramic media, since it will last pretty much forever, retains its form, & is easily moved from tank to tank. However, it provides little to no mechanical filtration, as it’s just meant to be a home for the BB. That’s not all that bad though, as it means that there will never be a “bottleneck” point in your filtration process as it gets gunked up. Having too many layers of fine filter foam/polishing pads can cause bottlenecks as they collect stuff, reducing your filter’s filtration capacity, & making you have to clean it more often. A real benefit of ceramic media is the ease in which you can “seed” future tanks—you can take some of the ceramic media & put it into new filtration systems in order to jumpstart the BB growth there. Sponges will also lose their shape & effectiveness over time as you squeeze them, while ceramic media will always retain its shape.
Ideally, you would want the order of your media to go from coarser to finer as the water passes through your filter. For example, this is the order I have of media in my AquaClear 75 for my 40gal tank:
I apologize for the loooong post, & hope I was able to help somehow! 😅 Good luck, & don’t be afraid to ask questions! 🍀
Get a moving bed filter like this or a sponge filter like this, both powered with an air pump.
Not really sure what it is classified as. I guess it is a under the counter version. It was super easy to install. Good instructions and push fittings for everything. The water supply comes directly from a water outlet meant for installing a washing machine.
I get like 20 liter(5.28 US gallons) in 2 hours. I think, I am not really sure. Have not timed it. It is fast enough that I have forgot about it and then came into the bathroom with the water overflowing.
Here is the RO System
That last part looks like an attempt to fish for security questions. I think I will pass on answering. Sorry.
Oh man, yeah that tank is no good. It has a "built-in filter mounting panel", which is just a hole in the glass. That hole in the glass reduces the structural integrity of the glass, and it also means that you can only raise the water level to a certain amount. Sliders should really have like 40-50 gal of swimming water. So many red-eared slider owners are led to buy these tanks because of pet shop employees, it's frustrating :(
But yeah, if you are unable to build a platform or something to put the container on, then an in-tank filter would be best. I recently bought this filter for an ornate wood turtle's kiddie pool. It was surprisingly powerful! You'd have to clean it a little more often than a canister probably. I hate when filters make it look like you need to buy special cartridges, but I'm just going to use nylon pantyhose to make a carbon cartridge when I need to replace them.
Well, at a certain size people start recommending a sump/refugium. A sump of 20 gallons is a so much more capacity for filtration than a HOB could ever be. But they are more difficult to setup.
If I were going to use a HOB for a tank that large, I might just use two of these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000260FUW/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_m8Ovxb3MWMDGV
"But why?" you might ask. Two reasons. First it meets the capacity requirements in excess of 40 gallons and better circulates the tank. Second it provides redundancy in case one filter goes down. Another filter you might look at is sponge filters for power outages. Can be used on a battery operated pump and simple to use
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051XIN78/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_YaPvxbRNYX7J2
You might go the route of canister filter.
This actually doesn't meet the requirements of circulating your total volume ten times in an hour, so be aware of that. A 100 gallon tank might use two of these. Again redundancy is a beautiful thing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015JMQRNC/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_QdPvxbAH4274M
I have this Marina S20 Filter. As you can see from the listing and review pics, there are 4 filter cartridge slots.
It's for a 20 gallon basic community tank.
Any idea what to fill the spaces with? I know it comes with 4 cartridges but i don't want to use their media.
I plan on cutting one cartridge, pouring out the media and using it as a mechanical filter sponge to catch bacteria but idk what to do with the other 3 slots.
It's mostly prefrence, I like sponge filters because you don't have to keep buying new filter cartridges. The only disadvantage I can think of is sponge filters keep their beneficial bacteria colonies while cartridge filters loose those colonies every time the filter cartridge is replaced.
This is the filter I use for my 20G community tank and I love it. Aquarium Air Pump Sponge Bio Filter,Upettools Silent Mechanical And Biological High Density Foam Purifier Filtration Fish Tank Water Fall Air Pump. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4JYC5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_q3RDDb0B33BJG
OH! No problem, I did find a canadian equivalent (I actually used to live in the US, and now living in Canada w/ my Canadian hubby). Though I find the Canadian amazon to have less options :(... still found something similar. https://www.amazon.ca/Powkoo-Biochemical-Pre-Filter-Canister-Aquarium/dp/B01M32L1LC/ (I'm actually considering to get this one myself eventually, if I can't get to the US and order the other one I showed you from the US Amazon)... It doesn't include filter media but lemme see what I find too on that
I just want to have a clean tank. I have an Aqueon Quietflow 40 (https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-40-Gallon-QuietFlow-Internal-Filter/dp/B00AWV9SZK). I also treat my tap waters with Prime.
So i've been considering this myself recently. When I asked last week the two recommendations I got were penn-plax and hydor.
The fluval '06 line has mixed reviews. I thought about a SunSun because of the price and UV sterilizer, but the consensus is you get what you pay for there. So then I considered the AquaTop, which is the 'higher end' version of the SunSun, but it appears they have poor customer service. I was intrigued by the marineland mangiflow series, as marineland seems extremely responsive to customers questions/requests on amazon.
But ultimately, I'm heavily considering this hydor for my 29 gal tank. I'm still tempted by the Penn-Plax cascade.
Here is the mobile version of your link
this this might be a good option for heating + filtering if youre not set on a canister.
What is your budget? Obviously your going to have a canister filter for that size, some good ones are Fluval, Marineland, Hydor, and sunsun cans if your on a lower budget, but still work really well, I use one for my 50g. And depending on the fish you want, you could have more than one filters, like if you have a fancy goldfish setup, you could have a canister and a HOB filter, to keep the tank cleaner.
Thanks! I love my nano tank. I’m currently working on a 20 long that I’m reallllly excited to scape. That’s gonna become my main shrimp tank when it’s up and cycled.
I would definitely move the betta ASAP. Especially if you want to have babies. I have read a lot of horror stories..
So that donut is actually my defuser for the co2 system. This is the sponge filter I use though. It’s perfect.
Aquaneat Aquarium Bio Sponge... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078X7H8XG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
https://imgur.com/gallery/4cQ6xe2
you could get a aqueon quiet flow I use them for shrimp.
bettas dont have a very large bio load.
I really like the Marina Slim filters for small aquariums. What you can't see in the pictures is the little plastic disk that fits to the bottom of the HOB. Rotate the disk to make the HOB fit snug against the aquarium and these filters run silently.
Did you get the 10 gallon one? I recently learned that there’s a 3 gallon version of this filter and I’ve been considering it for my 5 gallon since it has good suction cups and I have a 3 gallon filter in there now but it’s a little loud.
Not sure if you can swap it but might be worth checking out the 3 gallon
Aqueon Quietflow E Internal Power Filter, 3 gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XW2B39Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TPk.AbZ341SG1
Overhead filter, like this or this, for even larger fish and larger tank. There are DIY versions on YouTube, but you will need water pump anyway.
Having sump will let teach you about plumbing and keeping up with the filtration. I have a sump in my 29g tank. Here’s a good DIY kit from eBay https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F192265982145
As for over flow, water will stop once it goes below your overflow box. As long as it’s not an external overflow with a U shaped tube you’ll be okay as far as power outage. For the return, if your drilling your returns then just make them the same height as your overflow box and add a check valve just Incase. If your doing over the rim returns drill a syphon break hole.
For skimmer this is a good starter skimmer. You usually try to get something rated higher than your tank with this type of equipment.
SC Aquariums SCA-301 Protein Skimmer, 65 gal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CML49CK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xQGdBbAKEVAZD
For return pump get something with a controller that you can adjust like a Jebao pump.
If your drilling your overflow box make sure you drill two holes for a herbie style overflow or even better three for a herbie animal style overflow. One hole in the overflow will cause problems.
I recommend upgrading your filter. Those whisper filters are pretty crappy IMO mostly due to the cartridge system they use. Pretty much everyone loves aquaclear filters and I'm a fan of my C2.
Unless your Ph is crazy high (8+) I wouldn't mess with it. A stable Ph is more important than a "proper" Ph in most cases.
Good Luck!
Sorry for the crazy-late reply, but better late than never I suppose.
You'll definitely need a protein skimmer (I recommend the Bak Pak 2R+). You can also increase the effectiveness of your protein skimmer with a wooden airstone placed at the bottom of the bubble-area. One other neat trick you can do is to put a very slowly siphoning airline tube in your collection cup, so if you forget to empty it the tank will continue to function properly. A sump is not necessary, but a nice canister filter would be preferable... I recommend the Fluval 306, although Eheim is another good brand (my 15 year old Eheim 2235 is still working as a filter for my 20 gallon tank). Honestly, a lot of people think marine aquaria are hard to keep, but I've had the opposite experience. My tank has numerous corals (including a multi-month old Goniopora) and even with the messiness of my cuttlefish I've never had a tank crash.
There are a few points to keeping cuttlefish:
be cool and use something most here don't have - an over tank trickle filter
What other equipment do you have?
Provided you don't have sump/skimmer/reactors and only have tank and powerhead you could also get an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter and put in there bag of Chemipure Blue, 100 ml of Seachem Purigen and adequate amount of Seachem Phosguard in Seachem The Bag.
For skimmers you could get cheaper but very effective SCA-301: it is little under $100, rated up to 65 gallons and is very quiet and has good customer support. Mine had faulty pump which was extremely loud, told that to customer rep and new pump was delivered to me within few days. This skimmer is low profile, but does require sump.
I strongly recommend a Hydor 350 or 450. Very easy to clean, maintain, and prime. The tubing is also pretty standard, so modding the inlet/output pipes or adding an in-line heater or CO2 reactor are really easy
I have seen a good idea for their filtration here and here on 3rd photo.
Heyo! I’m not gonna repeat the stuff that everyone here has already said. But I just want to chime in with my personal input if you don’t mind. He’s a gorgeous fish and he looks amazing for being in there too! (I’ve had my share of vase fish too) And don’t feel bad for anything. Especially since you were misguided by someone who should have known better! If your local petco is doing a dollar per gallon sale, grab a 10 gallon! If not, a 5.5 is perfect! I’d recommend a sponge filter like the one at this link here! and a small heater which you can get for about $20ish!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00A4EP2BO/
Might be an option for you.
I know this doesn't meet the requirements, but would something like this do the job? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B005QRDDWY?vs=1
I have the sunsun 704B and I purchase these pads (link below). They are slightly too big for the 703B, but can be smooshed in there or cut to fit. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G2PDBDJ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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The beauty of the basket filter style is that you can just cut pads to fit. In the past I have bought a big roll of filter pad and cut it to fit the baskets- I don't know why people on amazon hate that so much? The link below is for the 704B. I have had mine since August 2017 and have had no problems! For just 15-20 dollars more you get a bigger filter. I like Sunsun for my turtle tank because the price of the filter is so low, I just toss them after a couple years and get a new one.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JMQRNC/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I went with this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AWV9SZK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Basically it just needs to hold carbon
Macro Aqua M-50 Mini Hang-on External Protein Skimmer
I use this protein skimmer for my 10 gallon nano (but it ca work for up to 60 gallons), it's cheap and it's been working fine for over a year now, removes around a cup of skimmate (gross water) a day.
Filter http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008986EQO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421121421&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=31fg9kdaJ9L&ref=plSrch
1st level http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B50UPE0
Put this on top of the other floss http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002HBLUE
2nd level http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002Z7VAK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421121104&sr=8-1
3rd level http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000R31KH2
With http://www.amazon.comgp/aw/d/B0006JLVUI inside of http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002X6F7AW put on top of the other media
4th level 2 packs of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NRVLIU
Here is my layout, if I were to redo it I would have made the last 3 eheim pro. For the media I would have used the floss it came with at the bottom just rip it vertically, then foam, then the fine floss.
Overall I rate it 4.5 out of 5, sometimes it is hard to prime.
Filter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008986EQO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421121421&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=31fg9kdaJ9L&ref=plSrch
1st level
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B50UPE0
Put this on top of the other floss
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002HBLUE
2nd level
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002Z7VAK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421121104&sr=8-1
3rd level
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000R31KH2
With http://www.amazon.comgp/aw/d/B0006JLVUI inside of http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002X6F7AW put on top of the other media
4th level
2 packs of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NRVLIU
Canister filters are pretty simple. There's a hose that goes from the tank into the filter (into filter, out from tank). It uses a pump to push the water through a few layers of filter media. First few layers are usually some sort of foam or mesh to help remove larger bits. Next layer is usually a bio media. Next layer is usually a super-fine gritty substance (some people use activated carbon, some folks use something like purigen) wrapped in a mesh bag to help remove all the super-fine bits.
Lastly the pump will push all that water through the output hose into the tank.
Instead of just dumping the water in the tank all willy-nilly, the eheim filters have a spray bar. It's essentially a hose that has lots of holes in the end so that the water comes out neatly across a larger area - instead of just in one big stream.
Protein Skimmer ~ $65
Lighting ~$62
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I have experience with the protein skimmer. It work's great and like I mentioned earlier, you'd need to get two of the lighting fixtures to really cover the length of the tank and keep SPS. One will do for soft coral and some LPS.
​
You can skimp on lighting but for the most part you'd only be able to keep softy corals and it won't look as great when compared to the higher end lighting.
At the end of the day you want your corals to be able to get the PAR they need.
Might I suggest the Hydor 350? Only $109 on Amazon.
I have one for my 60 gallon tank, as well as the in-line heater. Best features: opaque tubing (compared to the Fluval's ugly black ribbed tubing), extentable spray bar (they also include the standard lily pipe), easy maintenance, and the thing is scary quiet. The only way I know it's working is by the sound of splashing water from the spray bar (I keep it above the water for aeration and that lovely "waterfall" sound).
Of course I'm biased, but I really think this is one of the best canister filters out there, especially for the price.
The tank is the TopFin 5 gallon tank from Petsmart. I got it when they had crazy christmas sales. The filter was broken though... I also hate TopFin filters.
SO got a new filter Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium and this has been great for this size since it isn't a strong flowing filter which I needed for a sickly fish.
I actually have 2 lights because the single light wasn't strong enough (was worried it wasn't enough to keep the plants alive) and I apparently didn't measure, so accidently bought the 7.5" but needed a longer one. So right under the hood is a 14.5" light and the one suctioned onto the glass facing downward is the 7.5".
I have no idea on the plants. I just grabbed random plants. The arch was bought years ago at local petstore. The blue cave thing was probably bought at petco or petsmart...or my local fish place.
The little heater is mini Aqueon heater. Bought it years ago but it's probably this one.
personally I would get this.. http://www.amazon.com/Seachem-116016308-Purigen-500ml/dp/B0006JLVUI/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1408136457&sr=1-2&keywords=seachem+purigen (and you can always re-use it, unless carbon.. which you can't)
and get cheap dishwashinh sponges from dollar store...it's cheaper in the long run.....
http://www.amazon.ca/API-Filstar-XP-L-Canister-Filter/dp/B000260FX4. :)
If my filter ever broke down, I would buy the same filter again lol
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XW2F5TQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FN-vDbF6PJD9D
That's one for a 10 gal which is what you want. Always double the filtration per tank size.
Your filter is not even close to powerful enough for how many fish you tried to add, that is your issue. I would recommend getting a Marineland Penguin 100, and using both this filter and the one you currently have.
Also, I don't think your tank has been properly cycled to allow a suitable habitat.
Adding 8 more neons is the highest you should go with stocking the tank, and that is after buying the new filter and running both for at least 3 weeks.
Carbon basically does nothing but cost money. UV sterilizers or Purigen should help.
You would be better served putting biomedia where the carbon is now. This is a good biomedia that fits easily in HOB, but you can probably find cheaper alternatives, just giving one I knew about.
Ok, no to the Fluval. Absolutely great brand BUT for a Turle you want to run triple capacity. So for a 55 gallon tank you should run a 165 gallon filter or bigger. Try this one. That's what I ran before going to my 150 gallon.
Does this filter seem good? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XW2F5TQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E74wDbZD76DC8 I ordered it last night.
Yeah, so I would definitely go with a lot of excess filtration. I love my [Fluval 306] and between that and the biowheel I feel it is sufficient. I would also make sure to get a test kit to monitor the chemical changes of the water. With two fish that have a high bioload, it may be tough to figure out how often to change water. That said, I wouldn't do daily water changes. I was doing probably 20% 2x-3x a week and it seemed to work well.
I like the sand substrate and think it's pretty good for the oscars and the plecos. I know my pleco will sort of dig in the sand / fan out areas that he likes to hang out in and Fish-sticks, well he just likes to think he's a bulldozer and will pile sand up. Driftwood is extremely good for the pleco, just make sure that it is anchored well. Honestly, I wouldn't go with rock and if you do not too much. You're going to want to ensure that you get as much usable water volume in the tank as possible and big rocks will displace a fair amount and thus decrease this value and subsequently will have a detrimental effect on the water chemistry with two big fish. I like the fake plants I have; it allows for Fish-sticks to move them around as he sees fit to make his own little territories / nests that he sleeps in and are not heavy enough to cause damage to the tank if he moves them. Actually that's the other thing about rocks- Oscars are insanely strong and can and will try to move whatever they can. If the rock isn't heavy enough it can easily cause some damage to the glass. Having had a different 55 gal tank break on me previously (not related to that) I know I don't want to risk that again and so forwent the rocks.
Yeah, I just drop in an algae wafer every couple of days. The driftwood is also good for pleco digestion if I recall correctly. Just make sure that they do get fed, otherwise they can start sucking on the slime on the Oscar, and once that starts it's not good.
As for pH, I believe it's fairly neutral. It's not like african cichlids. I am fine just using my tap water from my well and using Prime.
Any other questions let me know
Howdy!
I need some advice from you knowledgeable folks. I have a 10 Gallon Aquarium that I've had for about two years now, everything is runnign smoot, my fish are happy and lively, and even recognize me when I walk into a room and know when to expect food.
The aquarium came with a Marineland Penguin 100 Filter, which worked fine until it stopped working, and I went to Petsmart and bought the exact same model a few months back, except this new one is extremely noisy. I'm wanting to purchase a new one, and maybe even a little pump to replace a static decoration with a little bubbly one, but as I'm not very knowledeable of aquarium equipment, I was hoping I could get some recommendations, or maybe what brands to look for, as far as a good filter that is also quiet. At this point, I'd rather pay a little extra for something that works well and is quiet, as the noise the filter pump currently makes can be heard from the other side of the house and is driving me insane.
Thank you folks in advance!
I have a 5 gallon... Right now without a heater. It stays at 78 in the summer just fine. I do have a Marina Betta Heater (8W I think) that will keep it at 78/80 over the winter.
I have an Aqueon QuietFlow E 3 filter ( https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Quietflow-Internal-Filter-Gallon/dp/B06XW2B39Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=quietflow+e+3&qid=1564544677&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOFkxNjAyMTQ0MENEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTIyNTMzMktENEZaV1Q1SkJISiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTEwNzU4MlY0TFgxMU9UNFNZTSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl) Rated to 3.gallons but sufficient for.a.single betta and very quiet. I also have 3 live plants and a marimo moss ball.
I should have added that I also have a sump with an over sized skimmer.
https://www.amazon.com/SC-Aquariums-SCA-301-Protein-Skimmer/dp/B00CML49CK
I actually have to overfeed my fish to keep my nitrates above 0 for my corals.
http://imgur.com/a/tyMva
I also have a bag of biopellets that I don't use.
Like I said, 2 of my fish don't really swim around in the water column. All of my fish put together probably has less mass than than the melanarus wrasse which has a recommended tank volume of 50 gallons.
I don't have the 20 but I have an Aquaclear 50 on my 20 long and I have a Fluval 70 which is meant to be the same as the Aquaclear. They both have the pointed intake. And both of these fit the Fluval prefliter sponge that comes in that little box for the Fluval Edge. The suction keeps it on the 70, when I turn it off and the waterline drops, it can fall off and you just have to turn it on again for the suction to hold it in place. I think this is because it's a little bigger or it could just be that this one looks like I may need to replace it soon, it's been on a while.
I think the reason i didn't go with the C2 (or whatever size it was ) when I was looking for/at the 50 was the shape of the filter box. I wanted to use my own filter media and I liked the large square shape of the Aquaclear that had greater flexibility.
Ive got two guppies, a gold cloud, moneywort and some anubias in a 3g tank. I have been doing water changes (20% once a week) but i think my filter cartridges are lacking. i was thinking of making my own but idk wat materials to use. https://www.amazon.com/CPF3-Cascade-Aquarium-Filter-Filtration/dp/B00T6HPZFI/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?keywords=fish%2Bfilter&qid=1550427329&s=gateway&sr=8-13&th=1&psc=1
I'm in the UK and can vouch for this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Reverse-Osmosis-Aquarium-Tropical/dp/B00A4EP2BO/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1501255583&sr=1-4&keywords=reverse+osmosis
It's slow for hard water areas, but cheap - I just leave mine to fill a large bucket the night before brewday. Can be fitted with a faster membrane in future should you choose...
For what it's worth I'm in the UK too, and your water is soft compared to mine...
Looks alright. This is the one I have. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Reverse-Osmosis-Aquarium-Tropical/dp/B00A4EP2BO/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=ro%20unit&qid=1498066017&ref_=mp_s_a_1_1&sr=8-1
That big ass filter!!! It's such a eyesore...
Any chance of replacing it with hang on back type
Something of this kind?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T6HPZFI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_jEFBzbAQ4VXH5
Also too much wood, tank will look great if you remove some of those sticks
I'm kind of limited to what I can do. It's a pretty small tank with one of those built-in in-tank filter systems, and I have one small part dedicated to macroalgae, as well as macroalgae growing in the main tank.
I read you can help fix the problem by having a protein reactor? Im thinking about getting This HOB protien skimmer.
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Honestly, I wouldn't get this tank again 4/10 would not recommend. The light it came with was awful, had to buy a new one, the pumps are always loud, its almost impossible to work in the back area to get anything working, theres no room for anything at all. And I have to add nearly a gallon of water a day due to evaporation.
Like this? https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Biochemical-Sponge-Upettools-Filter/dp/B07J4JYC5Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=sponge%2Bbubble%2Bfilter&qid=1571281912&sprefix=sponge%2Bbub&sr=8-9&th=1&psc=1
I was going to put the new media in a mesh bag in the tank and run it for a few weeks and then put it in my filter.
https://www.amazon.com/Powkoo-Aquarium-Sponge-Filter-Gallon/dp/B01M32L1LC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1
It's the aqueon quiet flow 3i. Where do you get cattle bone? Sorry for all the questions, it's just when I posted on the shrimp forum, no one helped.
Filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XW2B39Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Il2Izb89QN33N