What Filter to Buy with $120????

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
J

Jonny Steele

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 28, 2010
93
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0
Bedford Texas
Ok, im shopping for a 2nd canister filter for my 55g. Right now i have the Eheim 2217 on my tank and it works great, dont get me wrong, but im wanting little more filtration since im a little overstocked.

My tank had been getting cloudy so i did a water change, had the water all nice and clear, then plugged in my Eheim and it shot out all kinds of nasty debri and muck!! I was told you didnt need to clean them all that often, my first time to clean it was about 2 months ago (only had it for 4 months) and its wasnt that bad. Well when i opened it last night, it was NASTY!!! So i cleaned it and the water is clear again.

Im on a buget, and i have $120 to spend and wanter another CANISTER filter. Maybe one with a better particle filtration, the Eheim to me seems like it doesnt have a high flow rate.

Here are the ones ive been looking at in my price range from Petsmart and Petco.

1. Marineland Magnum 350 (Rated for 100g) $119
2. Fluval 205 (rated for 40g) $94
3. Eheim 2215 (rated for 93g) $119
4. Rena XP1 (rated for 45g) $119
5. Marineland C220 (rated for 55g) $119
6. Penn Plax 1000 (rated for 100g) $99

Let me know which ones yall think are best. Im looking for great filtration and to be QUIET!!!
 
12 Volt Man;4771175; said:
if you are looking for better mechanical filtration, another canister is not the way to go.

an Aquaclear 110 that is rinsed weekly (while leaving your canister untouched) is the way to go.

this works very well for sparkling water and the AC110 is a good sized filter that is well within your budget.
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yea what he said:)
 
It's pretty clear he wants another canister. Sure, HOB's give better mechanical, but I think that if he runs a second canister, it will suffice.

For starters bro, don't mess with the Cascade or the Marineland. Just remove those from your list. That leaves you with Eheim, Fluval, and Rena. Out of the 3, I would easily put the Rena last (my personal oppinion), so remove that. I personally run a Fluval 205 on my 40gal with a HOB. I love it. I am more of a Fluval fan.

If you are needing more mechanical filtration, lets look at something. Do you test your water? Are your ammonia, etc levels where they should be? If you really want a canister, and your current filtration is coving your bio needs, just use more mechanical pads in your canister trays. Maybe a little carbon too.
 
I love my cascade...got it free 10 years ago. been plugged in ever since. no problems at all.
 
12 Volt Man;4771175; said:
if you are looking for better mechanical filtration, another canister is not the way to go.

an Aquaclear 110 that is rinsed weekly (while leaving your canister untouched) is the way to go.

this works very well for sparkling water and the AC110 is a good sized filter that is well within your budget.
Click to expand...

X however many more people say the same thing
 
I just dont like the HOB filters, there always noisy, ive gone thru 3 different ones now and none are as quiet as the canisters. I live in a small apt, and noise travels far.
 
baseballman1321;4771182; said:
yea what he said:)
Click to expand...

What they both said. If you're admittedly an overstocker than overfilter accordingly. Ac110 is about 400 gph( with media) and about $75.

I love my xp cans, but for the money they defeat the purpose of what you are trying to achieve. An xp3($170) filters 187 gph filled. An xp2($140) filters 150 gph filled so you can see due to the additional head required for a canister to reach the water level, they are fairly inefficient. In my experience most canisters actual flow is 50-70% of the advertised flowrate. Manufacturers use numbers for flow with no media and zero head. Hob filters by design are more in the 75-85% range due to no head loss and are cheaper and easier to service. I run both types. Just my 2c!

If noise is concern and you are dead set on a canister you'll be happier spending $200. More options at that price point
 
Jc1119;4771315; said:
.. due to the additional head required for a canister to reach the water level, they are fairly inefficient. In my experience most canisters actual flow is 50-70% of the advertised flowrate...
Click to expand...


Canisters are not affected by head because they are closed systems
Any reduction in flow from advertised rates is due to media friction
also you are making up numbers
 
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