Best hanging box filter

[RSchlatter]

What is the best overall, exterior, hanging box filter out there? I definately believe in overfiltering. The air we breathe can't ever be too clean so I want to do the same for the fish.
I am planning on using it for a 55 gallon tank. Whats the biggest and best? I don't want to use a canister filter.

Your replies are appreciated.

 

[smb]

IMO, and I know this will come as a surprise to many here, but an Emperor 400 would be my choice for best filter!!!

Here's a link to my Homepage.

Emperor 400

 

[Tragic Avenue]

Ill second the 400. Great filter for the money.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Aquaclear 500 - moves more water, equally good filtration without the added complication of the bio-wheel - plus it is cheaper to buy and maintain.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi RSchlatter

I use an AquaClear 300 in my 55 gallon tank, and it does a good job. However, if I had to replace it, I would spend the few dollars more and go for the 500 model, just on the theory that more is better!

I also fill the chamber above the sponge with filter floss. It is surprising how much debris passes through the sponge and gets trapped in the floss.

 

[Aulonochromis]

IMO Aquaclears are the best hang on filter and the best bang for the buck.

 

[easyE]

Aquaclear costs a little less, but I have been very pleased with the Marineland filters. Had a penguin that worked great. Now, I am getting a hang on the back style filter for a 75 gallon tank. I was going to get an Emperor 400, but, tetratec now has a filter called the tetra tec pf 500 with a section filled with a sponge like thing that constantly fills with water and then drains and is obviously supposed to offer the same type of boilogical advantage as the bio-wheel. Has anyone used this filter? I was leaning towards the purchase of the emporer, but the water outlet on the tetra tec is also different than most hang on the back filters.
The tetra tec is a little more expensive and has me thinking, but I don't want to waste my money on it if it is not as efficient as the emporer.

 

[Inchworm]

Here's a link to my Homepage.

Emperor 400

Hey, smb

I never knew that you were in the business! You don't have to keep that quiet--many people like mail order and can benefit from knowing of a good, reliable source. Besides, if their order comes through wrong--they know right where to find you--here! Just kidding!

 

[Debo]

AQUACLEAR is the BEST in my opinion. I have 3 of them. Go for the 500 if you have room on the back of your tank for it.
Deb