Adding A Canister Filter?

[fryeguy82]

i'm looking for some opinions on adding a canister filter to my 55 USG tank. it currently has one of the hang on the back filters that are good up to 60 gallons. i keep hearing that the canister filters have better biological filtration that just the carbon filters i use currently. i'm currently interested in the fluval 305, it says its for aquariums up to 70 USG. any input on this filter or any others on the market? and if it is worth adding should i eventually get rid of the old one once the new one matures or would it be ok to use both?

thanks,
chris

 

[joejoehead]

yo will love the ehiem... fluvals like to break and leak alot and stuff... id go for the eheim 2215 or 2217... there great and can last up to 30 years..

 

[mifty12]

Fluvals don't break a lot; maybe some of the older ones did and i've never yet had a leak. I think a majority of leaks were caused by people not being careful about making sure the rubber 'o' ring was seated correctly before putting the top and bottom back together.You willalso find a few people will tell you that eheim are the best (i'm not disputing they're good) but strangely enough these people are eheim owners and have probably never owned a fluval.

. I've got one of the new 305's, it is my first cannister filter and it is excellent, easy to clean,got a good amount of trays inside for differing filter media arrangement. Yes they are a lot cheaper than eheim but do a good job for the money. I would definatelt reccomend them.

As for removing your old filter, depends what your plans are. Me personally, i'm looking to switch over to cichlids pretty soon so i have kept my old juwel filter in place to increase the filtering capacity, if your looking to overstock keep it.If you want double the filtration, keep it. If you want to tidy up your tank eyc., get rid of it. Its personal choice really.

 

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

Rena makes a nice filter too.

Not too many complaints.

 

[for_my_fish]

tetratec seem to get a good review too. only had mine a day to hard to comment

 

[vic]

i'm looking for some opinions on adding a canister filter to my 55 USG tank. it currently has one of the hang on the back filters that are good up to 60 gallons. i keep hearing that the canister filters have better biological filtration that just the carbon filters i use currently. i'm currently interested in the fluval 305, it says its for aquariums up to 70 USG. any input on this filter or any others on the market? and if it is worth adding should i eventually get rid of the old one once the new one matures or would it be ok to use both?

thanks,
chris

Just to clarify. Do you ONLY use a carbon filter? If so you need to change out your filter plan. Your HOB should have some sort of mechanical filter media (pads) for removal of suspended solids. Some sort of bio filter media such as bio balls, etc, and perhaps some floss to polish the water. You should only use a carbon insert when you are trying to remove chemicals from the water column such as medication. If you are intending on adding a cannister, I would do so with the filtration set up with the three components noted above and run the filter on the tank for 4 to 6 weeks before doing anything with the HOB. This will insure the preservation of your bio filter. Otherwise, just introduce some bio filtration into the HOB and leave the carbon filter insert alone. It is currently your only bio filter and must be maintained or you will likely experience an cycle. After at least a month (2 would be better) introduce some form of mechanical filtration (pads) and finally remove the carbon and put in some floss to polish the water. This protocol should preserve your bio filtration and avoid any spikes or a cycle.
Vic