Magnum 350 Deluxe + What BIO Filtration Component?

[pjmars]

Today i bought a used Magnum 350 Deluxe from a neighbor that is definitely not new but still works great. I only have to replace the impeller exhaust tube at a whopping $3.99. Was that a good deal? For a USED 350 deluxe? I should mention this filter will be used on my 55 gallon long- i decided to go a little over the recommended amount because I'll be keeping cichlids or a cat.

My other question is what should i do about biological filtration. My neighbor recommended under gravel filters to go along with the 350, but I'm not exactly sure what to do. I'm hoping i don't have to spend TOO much more money for decent bio filtration.

Any ideas? Sorry for the ignorance, i am a beginning hobbyist.

Regards,

Paul

 

[pjmars]

I should mention that i paid $50 for the Mag 350.

 

[pjmars]

I might as well just buy an EHEIM 2215 Classic Plus. Any opinions? I am a noob and I am dying over here.

 

[RBE17]

From what I've read here, you should be ok w/ those two filters. The Magnum will do the mechanical and the 2215 will do the bio. The recommendation is to place a sponge over the inlet of the Eheim to keep it from sucking up dirt and cloggion your media. Depending on your stocking level some might recommend an AC110, too.

 

[gomezladdams]

Youve got it backward.Canisters are better biofilter.A real pita to run as mechanical cause you gotta take it apart to clean it.
Some use a sponge prefilter to keep debris out of the canister but you have to clean that every few days.

 

[RBE17]

Youve got it backward.Canisters are better biofilter.A real pita to run as mechanical cause you gotta take it apart to clean it.
Some use a sponge prefilter to keep debris out of the canister but you have to clean that every few days.

I was comparing the two to each other as he said it's what he had and didn't want to spend much more money. From what I've read and remember the Magnum 350s don't have much room for bio as compared to the Eheims. Ooops...just reading he's planning on buying the Eheim.