Deciding between filters for 55 gallon aquarium?
So I have a 55 gallon aquarium.
I was given an old Bio wheel 400 from Marineland, but it is missing the bio wheels, and intake tube with strainer. New they are only about $46. The parts I am missing, to replace them, will cost around $30 plus shipping if I can’t find them locally. Does not make a whole lot of sense to me to spend that much to get it up and running again.
I am thinking about a canister filter.
This one
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753158&lmdn=Fish+Filtration+%26amp%3B+Circulation#RatingsDetail
Has great reviews and is fairly cheap. ($70)
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753121
305 model, also has great reviews, but is $100 more ($170). What exactly makes the Fluval so much more than Eheim? And, what about it is better?
Also, I want to get http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752392
will that fit around the filter hoses if I go canister?
Do I need a powerhead if I go canister?
Pros and cons please =)
I plan on keeping Gouramis, guppies, rasboras, and a few loaches.
I already have the bio-wheel filter without the wheels. Seems kind of pointless to not have the biological filtration, since it will be a live planted tank. I also have to spend its worth new to get replacement parts.
Well, for one, look at the pump outputs. That Fluval is pushing over twice as much water as the Eheim, which will make a huge difference. As far as needing a powerhead, what fish are you looking to keep?
ok i my self i woult but the second one and it would be worth it because is a filter that lots of ppl useand i have never heard one complaint that could not be fixed in few minutes i my self owned the fluval for a cuply years it was perfect it kept the water crystal clear and i would not ask for any ting ealse the maintlance was eazy and fast and i could always add or exchange some of the media and the heater yea it will fit and its well worth it good luck and i hope your future fish will be happy in the 55 gallon tank
Hi,
I love the Biowheel from Marineland or emperor. Both are great. I would use one of these for sure on your tank. Great mechanical and excellent biological filtration.
As far as the canister filter, I would suggest the Filstar FX3 for your tank. For a 55 gallon you could get away with the FX2. I have 6 FX3 filters in my fish room running and I love them. Plenty of water movement and excellent filtration. You may find this website helpful. I order all of my equipment and supplies from here: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3580+3602&pcatid=3602
I run one Eheim and it is great. It does cost a bit more, but I have had no problems with it either.
As far as the Fluval canister filter, I do not like these. They are cheap made and have cheap parts. My father has had his leak twice recently. The seals break and bend easily therefore leaking all over the floor. Their is a reason they are priced cheaper.
The inline heater you asked about will work with the Rena Filtstar Canister Filters.
In my opinion, you could get one 400 Biowheel and one Filstar FX2 and be set. Realistically 2 Emperor/Marineland 400 Biowheels will do everything you need!
I hope I could help you!
Your filter will work fine without the bio wheels
Rahl, good questions. If you’re planning on using this equipment on a freshwater tank then I don’t see the need to spend $170 for a canister filter. I’ve attached a link below for a great Marineland Penguin 350B rated for 75g. This would be enough to run your 55g moderately stocked.
I’m not a big fan of Rena. IMO they are just a fair line of equipment. For a good heater I’d use an Eheim (linked below). Hydor makes a decent heater too.
Best of luck,
swimmer
try the eheim pro ii,very good easy to set up and use and the big advantage it has a built in heater
good luck