Best HOB to use?

[jumpfreak26]

Im switching from a TopFin 30 to a better HOB filter for my 29 and was wondering what HOb filters have people had experience with that resulted in good water quality and filtration, price isnt really an issue, or are there better alternatives? Canister? Or is that too much for a 29? any help would be appreciated!

 

[Perfectblue]

I have used AquaClear power filters and I really like them. They are quiet, adjustable flow, inexpensive, and you can use any filter media you want. I don't think a canister filter is overkill for a 29 gallon tank.

 

[tubbs24]

I have a Magnum 350 canister filter AND a Whisper 30 power filter (hob) on my 29 gallon. I'd definately go with the Magnum 350, which is only like $75 at petco.com. I have both running on my tank, because a little more gph couldn't hurt the fishes Oh, and also, my tank is very clear and clean (Nitrate is under 10 ppm, and thanks to weekly water changes)

 

[Pure]

Filters I use:
Whisper 60s-Great filter my favorite HOB in fact. The filter floss lasts a good wile and is super easy to clean. Plus you can pack them with what ever you want.

Penguin bio-wheels- Can't stand these things!! The filter pad is garbage, forces you to use carbon unless you cut it open, It clogs all the time, is a PITA to clean, and the wheels constantly stop spinning.

Cascade HOB - don't laugh the Mrs bought it. These things are a POS don't buy them. Nuff Said.

Magnum 350s- Very good filter, little bit extra effort to clean but work well. You do have to keep an eye on the flow because of the filter media it uses (a spongy type pad) it is prone to clogging. (rip plecos )

Fluval 204/304/404s- another good canister filter,great gph but like all canisters a little extra effort to clean but doesn't need it as often. Bypass is an issue but can be fixed by cutting a filter pad to fit snugly on the inside of and between the trays.

Ehiem wet dry- I forget the model but it's the big one. This is another good canister the only complaint I have is I wish it had a lot more flow. 100 and summin GPH just doesn't seem like much a 75 gal much less on the advertised 130 gal capacity.

Home made and store bought sponge filters- can't beat them for fry tanks.

Box filters- another good choice for an area of tanks that is powered by a blower, but kind of a pita to clean.

Home made internal power filters- these are great in smaller pleco breeding tanks where current is essential. Also a kind of a PITA to clean.

There ya go, filters by Pure.

Oh yeah, I'm stealing Orions DIY canister idea but doing it with a 5gal bucket. Let ya know how that turns out.

 

[itstrickytorock]

I've used mostly Whisper HOB filters on my tanks. I had an AquaClear, but that was over..20-25 years old? The thing rattled, and was so annoying. The two separate cartridges were annoying too, you had to buy foam, and charcoal, and you could exchange it for something different, but I hated changing three packs instead of one. My Whisper filters though are as the name implies, very quiet. The little noise they do put out is pretty calming. Like Pure said they are incredibly easy to clean, and take apart. The cartridges for them are easy to find, and you can fill them with whatever you desire. Not too bad for prices either!

 

[TheFighterFish]

I agree with PerfectBlue. If you're truly going for a HOB filter, I would say get the AquaClears. I asked this question on a different thread before and many other aquarists recommended it. I went out and bought it, tried it out, and it was a nice quiet filter. I have one on my 10 G.

There is probably one little problem I have with it. When I shut down the power for the filter during water changes, it drains dry. For the filter to start working again, I have to slowly pour water into the back and get the water flow going. Just a little complaint I have.

By the way, I would like to know how to make my own filters and a DIY Canister bucket.

Edit: I wouldn't say the AquaClear rattles. But when changing filter mediums, you have to remove all three in order to clean one.

 

[jumpfreak26]

i did some research on canister filters, and was thinking about an Eheim ecco. Im not sure which model to get, cuz many sites say they're rated from 22 all the way to 36, the 2232 model, i like the self priming and have heard good things about the cleaning and noise, if i do get a canister filter, ill probably stick with my topfin, but if i dont ill probably get a whisper, i have one in my 5 and i am very satisfied.

 

[Pure]

*votes fluval 204* would be a great little canister for your tank. Cheap too.

Oh yeah they are 205s now.

 

[jumpfreak26]

arggghhhh, im stuck between the fluval and the eheim, fluval for price, eheim for reliability, Pure do you have a 203 or 204? what are you rpros and cons about it if you do?

 

[Pure]

I have a 204 and with a mega sized sponge filter it handles a bare bottom 55 without any issues. I love that filter!

 

[Panther28]

Aqua Clear Filters are very good. I am using Aquaclear 70 on my 55 gallon tank and it is doing a very good job.