Filter for 42 gallon

Got any suggestions for an affordable filter for a 42 gallon long?

Would the marineland 30-50 gallon be good?

I'm sure it would be fine - I had a tank come with one and I never could get it to work. The only filters I buy are AquaClear. Not cheap though and the tubes clog regularaly but unlike other filters with black tubes, these are clear so you can see if it's a clog in the tube causing the problem. I think it's mainly about nice features rather than if one is better than the other at filtering - they probably all filter well. I've tried Marineland and one other type and wasn't happy with either one so I keep going back to the AquaClear (and it has it's issues too- I'm just used to them and know what to do) If you can keep floating plants out of the way of the intake tube you'll be better off but most filters just pull that vegetation towards them until they clog up the intake tube - that's the biggest problem with all of them - that and having enough room to add extra media. Some don't use a sponge and there is no room for one and I think that's as good as the ceramic pieces at holding "good" bacteria - so look for ones that use a sponge in addition to the ceramic pieces.

What sort of fish do you plan on keeping in the tank?

If you are keeping fish from slow moving back waters, an air operated sponge filter at each end of the tank might be enough. If you are getting Rift Lake cichlids then look at a power filter.

If you go for a HOB (hang on back) style filter, AquaClear is my choice too.
External canister filter is either Eheim or Fluval.
My choice for internal power filter is an AquaClear powerhead with a Quick Filter attachment and a round sponge in the Quick Filter.

I agree with Colin. All the brands AquaClear, Eheim, Fluval are good.
The main advantage of AquaClear is the big compartment for you to put different types of media.
This is also one of the most important factor when selecting filters.
Bigger space means more medias and more beneficial bacteria can grow on it.

Here is a video for comparing Marineland Penguin vs Aquaclear filter:


Eheim is good especially if you are looking for low power, saving energy.
But Eheim hang on filters material seem to be less durable nowadays(easily cracked).


Here is another one by KG Tropicals:



If you want to try some cheap yet powerful China made filter, here is one of them.
It also has a big compartment for many types of filter medias.

Don't know how they compare in price in the US but I have been really impressed with my Seachem Tidals where I have HOBs.

seangee said:

Don't know how they compare in price in the US but I have been really impressed with my Seachem Tidals where I have HOBs.

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Yes, Seachem Tidal is also a very good filter.
If I am not wrong the impeller/motor will be inside your fish tank instead of outside, making the suction more powerful.(similar to GEX slim filter)
In fact the guy from KG Tropicals recommended Seachem Tidal.


But in term of prices, I think Seachem Tidal is more expensive.
Anyway, you can check it out.

This is for AquaClear video:

I find marineland filters to be pretty noisy. In a living room maybe it would be ok. In a bedroom, maybe not. I replaced my filter cartridge with sponge and floss in my Marineland filter. I use aquaclear in my other tank and it is very quiet.

Colin's question is bang on the mark...what are the fish species to be housed in this tank? The filter should be selected based upon the needs of the fish, not on tank size or anything else. Water movement is the prime job of the filter and this affects the everyday lives of the fish. Also, if plants are intended there should be less "filtration."

My 3-foot 40g tank had a dual sponge filter when it housed pencilfish, nano tetras, pygmy cories. Presently, since my move last year when I had to downsize tanks and this 40g beecame home to my group of 41 average-sized cories, an internal Aqueon Quiet Flow proved to be the perfect filter.

Byron said:

Colin's question is bang on the mark...what are the fish species to be housed in this tank? The filter should be selected based upon the needs of the fish, not on tank size or anything else. Water movement is the prime job of the filter and this affects the everyday lives of the fish. Also, if plants are intended there should be less "filtration."

My 3-foot 40g tank had a dual sponge filter when it housed pencilfish, nano tetras, pygmy cories. Presently, since my move last year when I had to downsize tanks and this 40g beecame home to my group of 41 average-sized cories, an internal Aqueon Quiet Flow proved to be the perfect filter.

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Small fish, like 1-3 inches probably. Yes there will be lots of plants

JuiceBox52 said:

Small fish, like 1-3 inches probably. Yes there will be lots of plants

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Here is a photo of my 40g when it was housing Nannostomus eques, N. marginatus, Parachierodon simulans, a pair of Characidium fasciatum, Hyphessobrycon amandae. A dual sponge filter in the right rear corner was ideal.

Byron said:

Here is a photo of my 40g when it was housing Nannostomus eques, N. marginatus, Parachierodon simulans, a pair of Characidium fasciatum, Hyphessobrycon amandae. A dual sponge filter in the right rear corner was ideal.

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Okay thank you I have 2 air pumps not in use but I dont know what size tank they were made for, does it matter?

JuiceBox52 said:

Okay thank you I have 2 air pumps not in use but I dont know what size tank they were made for, does it matter?

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Yes and no! You are only using one sponge filter (presumably) so a small air pump will be adequate. However, if you have a larger air pump, you do need to run the pump at its capacity so it doesn't burn out. I always have a gang valve unit on an air pump, with at least two outlets (for one sponge filter) or more. The air line to the filter is connected to one of the outlets on the gang valve, and the second outlet is slightly opened to act as a bleeder. You can adjust this bleeder valve to get the amount of air flowing into the sponge filter that you want.

The photo below shows several of the gang valve units. I think these are the ones I now have, they look the same, and they are better made than any I have previously had. You would want a 2-valve with just the one filter. But you could get a 3-valve or 4-valve in case you might have another filter some day.

Byron said:

Yes and no! You are only using one sponge filter (presumably) so a small air pump will be adequate. However, if you have a larger air pump, you do need to run the pump at its capacity so it doesn't burn out. I always have a gang vale unit on an air pump, with at least two outlets (for one sponge filter) or more. The air line to the filter is connected to one of the outlets on the gang valve, and the second outlet is slightly opened to act as a bleeder. You can adjust this bleeder valve to get the amount of air flowing into the sponge filter that you want.

The photo below shows several of the gang valve units. I think these are the ones I now have, they look the same, and they are better made than any I have previously had. You would want a 2-valve with just the one filter. But you could get a 3-vale or 4-valve in case you might have another filter some day.

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Awesome thanks do you know where I could buy these and about how much they would cost?