Canister?

[Bleeding]

I have been getting advice from someone on here, and after doing a little research, I believe im persuaded to purchase a canister filter.

I tried searching through the threads to see if this has been discussed before, but am not finding what i need to know.

I am planning to set up this 55 ga. tank with community fish, mainly livebearers, and probably some other fish that i have not decided on yet...It will be a planted tank, sand/fert. substrate, and im looking at purchasing a lighting system to help the aquascape.

So i went out and bought this powerfilter, marineland with the 2 bio wheels, and plan on taking this back, since i have decided the canister might be a better deal.

Ive been seeing people say that with planted tanks, there needs to be minimal surface disturbance? Also something about not using carbon? Other than the obvious stuff with canisters (less maint., lasts longer, cleaner water), what other functional things will canisters offer my environment ?

If i was going to purchase an Eheim canister filter, what model?? Ive been looking at thier site, and they suggest like 6 different kinds

There are kinds that have heaters ,etc.

Mabye someone can steer me in the right direction?!

 

[AtomixIGN]

Okay I love this one.

http://marineland.com/products/consumer/con_magnum.asp


It's got power, it's easy to deal with thanks to the self priming action. And I like having the biowheels as a return. If you plan on keeping a high water level I think the return should be more than gentle.


But I think the more common recommendation would be to pick up the Eheim 2126 which has a heater build right in. And is much bigger. Personally i think too big. I liked the old style better.


As far as carbon goes, that's a debate. Lots of articles to be read and opinions to be heard but it basically boils down to elements leaching into your water.




Like enything... You can take it t any extreme you want. And the extreme is beyond anything you would have imagined. You can add flow regulators. CO2 systems.


http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/


LOADS of information.