New 30gal. needs inexpensive filter

[Swimz]

It's just a 30 gal. tank that was passed on to me. Had a bunch of wally world equipment and supplies that didn't work because they sat for a couple years. I think I could just slap a Aqua Clear on it and call it ok, but I want to hear about other options.

I plan this to be a community tank with peaceful fish in it, so I can keep my cichlids in the big tank. I *might* try to grow a few live plants in it later on. And it will have pool filter sand as the substrate.

My 60gal. has 2 HOB and 2 powerheads with sponge filters and before that I had a UGF hooked into the power heads. I definitely am not doing another UGF, but the HOB and Powerheads are my only experience with filtration so far.... I've heard of canister filters but don't think a 30gal. needs something that big.

I'd also like it to be inexpensive to maintain.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks...

 

[Managuense]

I'd also like it to be inexpensive to maintain.

that has aquaclear written all over it. i would use all sponges in one and call it a day bro.

the emperor 280 isnt a bad filter either, but the cartridges are expensive (i make my own) and it uses quite a bit more electricity than the aquaclears.

just my opinion though.

 

[GT3050]

AC 300, or EMP 280. I like the Emperor better, but the AC is cheaper. Either way it will work fine.

 

[Igor The Cat]

Yes get a AC 300!!!

-Java

 

[snoce]

hey managuense...i have 2 pen 170 running...u say u make ur own filters...how

 

[Managuense]

for your penguin?

what i would do is go to walmart and buy the "aquatech" 170 pads....since the aquatech line of filters is made by marineland and they are the EXACT same filter without bio-wheels.

to make your own?

i take the cartridge and use a pair of scissors to cut off the blue pad from the black plastic.

then i dump all the carbon in the trash and rinse off the black plastic.

i then purchase the "blue bonded filter pad" stuff that you can buy for pretty cheap, cut a piece of it to fit the black plastic, and attach it with rubber bands.

make sense?

i cant stand to pay marineland that ridiculous price for their replacements.

 

[snoce]

after i cut and throw away the carbon...arent i supposed to have carbon in the filter media....where do i find blue bonded filter pad and also what is the purpose of doing this...does it make a better filter media

 

[Managuense]

the purpose is that the "blue bonded material" can be rinsed and re-used for a LONG time, whereas the marineland cartridges can only be rinsed a couple of times before they are shot.....saving you $$.

and no, you dont have to run carbon in your filters. it is good for removing odors, discoloration, and some meds but is completely useless for anything else.....hence than a lot of people dont use it.

 

[Swimz]

Thanks, I'm going with the AC 300

 

[Igor The Cat]

I will expect you to be VERY happy with your new AC

-Java

 

[Swimz]

Does each size take different filters?

I would like to replace my other HOB on my 60gal. with an AC as well.

Are there two AC's: 1 big enough for a 60 and 1 for a 30 that take the same sized filters?

 

[Igor The Cat]

yes the filter cartriges are different sizes. for a 30 an AC 300 for a 60 an AC 500 + an AC 200.

-Java