noob needs filtration advice

[Serp]

Been trying to research which canister filter i should get for my new 37g tank. This will be my first FW tank, so i'm a bit of a noob, and not at all familiar with canister filters.

ive read some reviews, they all seem similar, some good, some bad. any features in particular that would be best for my setup? I plan to keep oblongums, kribs, and dither in the 37g w/ driftwood and 3m Color quartz sand as a substrate. I would prefer to only clean out the filter 1x a month.

I also read that it may be a good idea to get a filter with an impellar thats not on the bottom due to having sand in my tank. Is that sound advice? I would like something that is easy/fast to clean if possible

Does anyone have suggestions on what the best canister for the job would be? Cost isn't a huge issue, so long as its not total overkill.

Thanks,
-Brian

 

[joedodge]

i have always had fluvals i prefer the 404 but a 304 or now there a 305 would do nicely, although im setting up a new tank and will be using aquaclear hang on the back filters you might want to look into them there flow rates are incredible for the cost and are very easy maintenence wise

 

[StogieC]

My Marineland C-360 has been great on my 55G. There are lots of people who swear by Fluval, Marineland, Eheim, Aqua Clear, etc...
They are really all good filters. Filtration is a science but it's not rocket science.
Start with the sticky posts like this one: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94937

 

[Pharaoh]

You'll hear a lot of differing opinion when it comes to canister filters. I use the Rena XP filters and love them.

Bottom line, go with the one you feel you get the best overall deal on. Price vs. reviews.