350 Deluxe Magnum Canister Filter

[badtothebone322]

I recently got a new 60 gallon tank so I need a filter. I found this filter very cheap! It regurarly costs $160, on sale for $80. Is it a good filter? Can it be used with sand? Thanks in advanced!

Is this everything need for the filter? I never used a canister before...

http/www.aquariumcenter.biz/store/product/3346/Magnum-250-Hot-Filter/

 

[raptorrex]

I recently got a new 60 gallon tank so I need a filter. I found this filter very cheap! It regurarly costs $160, on sale for $80. Is it a good filter? Can it be used with sand? Thanks in advanced!

Is this everything need for the filter? I never used a canister before...

http/www.aquariumc...250-Hot-Filter/

personally I'd go for a more modern filter. i know this one is new, but the design is not. its concept is now defunct.

 

[badtothebone322]

Well, its either that one or the Emperor Power Filter 400.

Which is better? That should be my deciding factor.

http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752378

 

[raptorrex]

Well, its either that one or the Emperor Power Filter 400.

Which is better? That should be my deciding factor.

http/www.petsmart....oductId=2752378

I'm not the right one to ask. I wouldn't consider either.

 

[waterdrop]

Agree with Raptor, I think of those Magnum filters as serving a completely different purpose - they apparently work well for sometimes for moving from tank to tank in a fish house and doing a mechanical vacuum operation on a tank in a short period of time. They are completely inappropriate for standard freshwater continuous filtration like we want here in the beginners section as far as I know.

If you are looking at things like the biowheel types that you have linked then I'd recommend the Aquaclear HOB (hang on back) type of boxes. These are a relatively plain rectangular box that gives you wider flexibility in deciding on your own media. You'd be surprised how often we hobbyists decide to use something different than what the manufacturers recommend for media choices. Many, many filters are designed not for the fish, but so that you are encouraged to keep buying the refill from only the same manufacturer over and over. (and over and over is not what we want to be doing with biomedia in particular!)

~~waterdrop~~

 

[badtothebone322]

Alright, so, both of those filters are out? $80 was pushing my budget before, and I found the 2 AquaClears for my tank. The one is over budget, but the other is low-end budget. I know it's obvious that the larger filter would be better, but is it necisary? Here are the two filters:

Aqua Clear 70 costs $52, which is a little under budget, so that's a plus! http/www.aquariumcenter.biz/store/product/1797/Hagen-AquaClear-50-Power-Filter/

Aqua Clear 110 costs $86 and is about $25 over budget, but it filters more.
http/www.aquariumcenter.biz/store/product/1797/Hagen-AquaClear-50-Power-Filter/

Is the 110 needed, or would the 70 work fine? I really wouldn't want to spend $25 over budget if I don't have to.

 

[badtothebone322]

My LFS has helped me decide... She recommended either the AquaClear 500/110 or the Marineland *** (I forget the number, but it was for up to 100 gallons). The AquaClear was $80, and the Marineland was $65... Sort of leaning towards Marineland...

 

[waterdrop]

I think I remember that the Marineland cannister filters are very similar (if not relabeled) to the Tetratec cannisters (anyone know for sure?) WD

 

[raptorrex]

I think I remember that the Marineland cannister filters are very similar (if not relabeled) to the Tetratec cannisters (anyone know for sure?) WD

cant find any reference. but, apart from the flow taps, I'd say you would get a conviction.

 

[OldMan47]

I am not certain but have seen the exploded view of a Tetra-tech and I cannot tell the difference between it and my own C series Marineland filter. I suspect they are identical filters under different names WD. Marineland also makes HOB filter like the model 400 which would be about right for a tank that size. Be aware that it is a cartridge type filter that they expect you to toss the cartridge every month or so. That can add up to quite an expense in a hurry but as long as the wheel keeps working they should be OK for the fish.

 

[badtothebone322]

I am not certain but have seen the exploded view of a Tetra-tech and I cannot tell the difference between it and my own C series Marineland filter. I suspect they are identical filters under different names WD. Marineland also makes HOB filter like the model 400 which would be about right for a tank that size. Be aware that it is a cartridge type filter that they expect you to toss the cartridge every month or so. That can add up to quite an expense in a hurry but as long as the wheel keeps working they should be OK for the fish.

Thanks! Marineland it is!