Best filtration for a 55 G?

[BandE]

Hello again,

We posted yesterday about buying a used 55 G tank that came with 2 concord 180s. We decided that they were old and not in the best of shape so we would just buy new. So, what is the best filtration for the worst case scenario? Is it a hang on, canister, or both? We want the best even if we get the dirtiest fish possible. Any name brands and info is greatly appreciated. Also any websites to buy these products would be appreciated also. Thanks in advance Again the tank is a 55 G 48x13x21.

Brian and Erin

 

[OscarCichlid]

My fish are pretty dirty (Channel Cats, Plecos, Convict and Gouramis) and my 55 gallon tank has an Emperor 400 and an Aquaclear 300. It is crystal clear. If you look from the left side to the right side you could barley tell that there is water in there!!!! I would suggest the same two filters or 2 Emperor 400s, or 2 AquaClear 300's, 500's. If you want to buy filter for cheaper (emperors are uver $100 dollars in My LFS and AC's are about $70) just go to drfostersmith.com or thatpetplace.com. Hope that helped, and good luch choosing a filter.

 

[drobbins27]

Penguin 330? Two Bio-wheels!

 

[Interfire]

2 Aquaclear 500's or even 300's would work, and they are dirt cheap. I'm partial to Emperor 400's 2 of those would be great.

 

[scott1000]

If you want the "best" definitly get an Eheim canister filter! A model 2215 would be enough, but you could always go for the pro series and get a slightly better one.

If you want the "best" without spending a lot get an emperor 400 and an aquaclear 300. Buy online or find a lfs who will deal with you and give you better prices (my lfs will match internet prices : ) ).

 

[BandE]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

All of the prices we researched online (+S&H) will end up being around the same price as our LFS. So, we're headed there on Monday. It's probably gonna be 2 Aqua Clear 300/500s, or 2 Emperor 400s, or a combination. We'll keep you posted. Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

 

[drobbins27]

ACs are nice, but they dont supply enough filtration in my opinon. Never seen EMPs. Of course a canister would do the best job. I still think the Penguin line is the best tho

 

[tdins_2]

fluvals a good canaster filter and r alot cheaper the ehiems

 

[canarsie11]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

All of the prices we researched online (+S&H) will end up being around the same price as our LFS. So, we're headed there on Monday. It's probably gonna be 2 Aqua Clear 300/500s, or 2 Emperor 400s, or a combination. We'll keep you posted. Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

What are the prices for emperor 400's at your local fish store?

If you decide to go with emperor 400's, let me know the price, I purchased mine for cheap online

 

[scott1000]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

All of the prices we researched online (+S&H) will end up being around the same price as our LFS. So, we're headed there on Monday. It's probably gonna be 2 Aqua Clear 300/500s, or 2 Emperor 400s, or a combination. We'll keep you posted. Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

I can show you where to get an emperor 400 for $40 a pop online (that's the shipped price). If you're interested, let me know (don't think we can post links like that, so PM me).

 

[BandE]

Thank you all for the advice. We went to the lfs today and ended up getting 2 Aqua clear 300s. They are set up and running great. Thanks again

 

[thecichlidaddict]

ACs are nice, but they dont supply enough filtration in my opinon.

My experience tell me the opposite. Aquaclears are proof that bio-wheels are, in fact, not the only alternative with hanging filters, though Marineland is thrilled that so many believe it.

 

[FMZ]

go with the AQ and use use two foam inserts instead of one foam insert.

 

[rollntider]

ACs are nice, but they dont supply enough filtration in my opinon.

My experience tell me the opposite. Aquaclears are proof that bio-wheels are, in fact, not the only alternative with hanging filters, though Marineland is thrilled that so many believe it.

I never had the AQ either , but I hear the best scenario is the AQ with a bio wheel and there is a thread here that tells how to set that up(since BandE has the AQ now). I heard there was a problem if it loses prime on the AQ the motor burns up? Is that true, I may purchase me one, but I dont want to if the power goes out (which it does from time to time here) and burn up my filter.