Filter suggestions for 10 gal or less

[denimous]

Hello there!

I am a long time subscriber to this forum and I'm returning to the fish world after a 3 year hiatus (moving and whatnot). I had a 46 gallon bowfront and a 12 gallon cube planted tanks (my rate my tank posts are probably gone by now). The bowfront was set up with a 2213 (I think that's it) eheim classic canister filter and the cube had a built in filter/motor that I put my own media in.

My goal is to set up a pretty low maintenance planted tank to put my existing betta in (who is in a mini-tank now) along with a few cories and maybe a small school of rasboras. I have to start over completely for equipment (including tank). I'll need a heater and maybe DIY CO2 and additional lighting, but nothing any fancier than that.

Any suggestions for a filter? I'm guessing the eheim (if I could find it in storage) would be overkill. I don't have any experience with HOB filters, but I do need my filter to be quiet. I live in a small apartment with two other roommates.

Is there anything else I'm missing?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[denimous]

I almost forgot, there isn't a very close LFS that stocks plants in my area (the peninsula in CA), any good places to purchase them online?

 

[tom91970]

Aquaclear 20

 

[denimous]

What are the benefits of an aquaclear?
Has anyone use a canister filter on a 10 gal tank?

On one hand, I want a sleek tank setup with everything hidden (so the kits/built in hoods are tempting) - but on the other hand I know I'll get a bigger tank once I move out and I want my purchases to be scalable.

 

[Chris_A]

I've used an Eheim 2211 on small tanks, with the spray bar the flow is nice and diffused. Not sure if they still make that model though...

 

[denimous]

That's a good idea, I can consider using a canister filter (whether I find my eheim or not) with a spray bar over a HOB.