Help In Picking a great Filter for 55 Gallon FW tank.

[Judgedhook]

Hello everyone. I am a novice aquarist. I have a 10g FW currently running for about 2-months now. A friend of mine is giving me a 55g tank with stand. I want to make a community tank out of it. I have bought almost everything that I need to set up the tank. The only thing left for me to purchase is a filter.

There are so many different kinds of filters out there. I have experience with the AC30 which is what I have running on my 10 gallon. And so far so good.

But I am looking to purchase a great canister filter. I don't mind using a little more than I need as far as the recomended power rating is concerned.

Your input is much appreciated.

Please help.

 

[GIS Guy]

Go with an Rena Filstar XP2, you could probably do XP3 .
Aquarium Filters, Filtration & Water Quality: FilStar Aquarium Canister Filter
They are highly customizable.
The trays will allow you to customize your biofiltration.

 

[joeyjoeq]

Currently I too have a 55g freshwater with an Eheim Pro II. When I first started it I had a Marineland Emperor 400. Both worked very good. Only like the Eheim better since you can control the current, and ofcoarse the minimal maintenance of a canister filter.

 

[Judgedhook]

Go with an Rena Filstar XP2, you could probably do XP3 .
Aquarium Filters, Filtration & Water Quality: FilStar Aquarium Canister Filter
They are highly customizable.
The trays will allow you to customize your biofiltration.

Are the RENA just as good as the Eheim or say Fluval?

 

[Judgedhook]

Currently I too have a 55g freshwater with an Eheim Pro II. When I first started it I had a Marineland Emperor 400. Both worked very good. Only like the Eheim better since you can control the current, and ofcoarse the minimal maintenance of a canister filter.

I've read some reviews online about the Ehaim filters...Is it true that they can run for about 3 to 6 months before changing media?

I can't see that as actualy being healthy for the fish.

 

[GIS Guy]

The Eheim are most likely one of the best canisters.
The problem is they are pricey and most choose Rena instead of paying for Eheim.

Is it true that they can run for about 3 to 6 months before changing media?

I'd say it depends on the bio load.
100g + 10 neons = hardly ever changing media
100g + 10 goldfish = frequently changing media

 

[Judgedhook]

The Eheim are most likely one of the best canisters.
The problem is they are pricey and most choose Rena instead of paying for Eheim.



I'd say it depends on the bio load.
100g + 10 neons = hardly ever changing media
100g + 10 goldfish = frequently changing media

Thanks for the info...I do agree on the price issue. Eheims are more expensive.

Most people have given the Rena's good reviews. I think that I will do well with a Rena. Can't say much for the Fluvals I guess. I have read too many negatives on their canister filters.

One more thing...Do you think that the XP3 is overkill for a 55 Gallon tank?... I want to keep a community mostly small fish...Tetras, Danios...Maybe one Gourami. & Two veil angels. A total of about 20-Fish. Don't know if I am over doing it.

Sorry for all the questions...I want to get this right. I am not one to experiment with too many failures in the process for the fish' sake.

I take God's creatures seriously.

 

[Judgedhook]

Currently I too have a 55g freshwater with an Eheim Pro II. When I first started it I had a Marineland Emperor 400. Both worked very good. Only like the Eheim better since you can control the current, and ofcoarse the minimal maintenance of a canister filter.

What are maintenance sched. like with your Eheim? Also What type of fish & how many in your tank?

 

[GIS Guy]

Can't say much for the Fluvals I guess. I have read too many negatives on their canister filters.

My opinion is that the Fluval is too complicated.
The XP3 basket approach is WAY more straight forward.

One more thing...Do you think that the XP3 is overkill for a 55 Gallon tank?

The XP3 shouldn't be too big.
You can place the intake on one side and the exhaust on the other and have good circulation.
Heck, I've recently has a Magnum 350 on my 20g w/ an Emperor 280!

A total of about 20-Fish. Don't know if I am over doing it.

Browse through the profiles and see how many gallons each adult fish requires that you'd like to keep.

Sorry for all the questions...I want to get this right.

That's why we're here.

BTW, where are you from?

 

[Judgedhook]

From Brooklyn, NY. Why do you ask?

 

[Mahamotorworks]

Go with the XP3. You will be happy with it. I clean it once a month.

MAHA

 

[GIS Guy]

From Brooklyn, NY. Why do you ask?

Curiosity, nothing more.
Kinda hoping someone would eventually be from my own town.

 

[Purple]

My opinion is that the Fluval is too complicated.
The XP3 basket approach is WAY more straight forward.

Errrmm - OK - I'll bite .....

The Fluval goes through a foam screen - up through various baskets - and gets spat back out into the tank.

How is the XP3 "simpler" ? (never used one)

 

[GIS Guy]

No problem Purple.

The Filstar brings water from the tank and returns it straight up thru each basket.
Down and Up.
Easy & straight forward.

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The Fluval passes water through many chambers.

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I'd rather have the simple baskets rather than the chamber approach.

 

[Mahamotorworks]

I agree with GIS. Cant beat the Baskets in an XP filter.

MAHA

 

[joeyjoeq]

What are maintenance sched. like with your Eheim? Also What type of fish & how many in your tank?

It's a very nice filter, but yes a bit high on the price. I like that it has small canisters (type of thing) and it has handles that allow to rinse faster. When feeding your fish you can slow down the current so the filter does not suck up the food. When you are done put the current to how you want it. I got mine new on sale $226 with media, media pads, and install kits.Every six months I change the media pads, and rinse the media. It mainly gets fish pop. It only takes me about 10 minutes to do the maintenance. The pads kit costs like $10 on petsmart.com and you never replace the media only rinse.

Fish I currently have 4 guppys, 2 female bettas, 1 algae eater, 1 golden algae eater, 2 sunset platys, 3 yellow platys, 1 mickey mouse platy, 1 lyretail molly, 2 gouramis, 2 zebra danios, 2 julii corys, 3 german blue rams, and 3 guppy fry in a breeder.

If you have the money this filter is great. Again search around for a deal. Buy it new preferably. The Rena is another good filter. Don't think I'm saying is not. Either way you go, you should be very pleased.

 

[GIS Guy]

If you have the money this filter is great. Again search around for a deal. Buy it new preferably.

The Eheim's rep is for durability.
Specific reasons for not buying 2nd hand, ebay?

 

[joeyjoeq]

The Eheim's rep is for durability.
Specific reasons for not buying 2nd hand, ebay?

Yup they sure last. The little rotary device inside is said to last 10 years. New will save you from not changing this for another 10 years. Only saying this because an aunt of mine bought one used. Still works after the 3 years she had it. In the summer she had to purchase that piece because it was not working properly. It's only $35 but I guess saves you the trouble of replacing. Ebay has some online stores that sell this new. Way cheaper than the LFS price at $400 plus media, pads, etc.

Edit: Try this guy at Ebay jcaquatics I've purchased some things from when I can't find them locally. I guess you can check to see if he has any Eheim filters or ask?

 

[Judgedhook]

Thanks for everyone's feedback...You have all been a great deal of help.

I shall send pic's of the one decide to purchase...More than likely it will be the Rena. But if my wallet can take it, I will go with the Eheim pro2.

 

[tropicalfish]

I have heard many good reviews about the Rena canister filters. The only problem that some people had when I read the reviews, was that the spray bar made a humming sound because the holes were too small.. that can be fixed with a drill bit.