Getting a new tank

[Yeaulman]

Ok so I have this 20 gallon tank and am thinking of getting a 48 gallon. My problem is lighting and filtration. I was looking at a 2x65 watt compact fluorescent from pet supply liquidators for $100.... dont know if I want to go that route or make my own with 4x55 watt bulbs.

And as for filtration, what is the best kind of filter to get? I was thinking the fluval 304, but want everyones experience on thier filters.

 

[heresmike]

I have a fluval 304 on one of my tanks, and 204s on the others, and like them very much. Runs very quietly, does an excellent job at biological filtration. Although I think I've heard that it's not the best at mechanical filtration, but I have nothing to compare it to. No real complaints about the job it does mechanically though...

That's a lot of light! 8) What are you gonna grow in there??

 

[Yeaulman]

Right now I have a lot of plants in there.... lots of places for the fish to hide. the main focal point of my tank is the plants.... cabomba, hydrosperma, wisteria, reineckii lilacina, and amazon sword.

 

[TorPeteO]

I've got a Penguin 170 running on my 15 US gallon tank, and was so impressed with it that I bought a Penguin Mini for my 5 US gallon tank. Granted, I haven't tried any others, but I haven't seen any reason to change.

Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[tstenback]

Sounds like a great tank in the making. I love plants as well. I have used the fluvals a fair bit and like heremike said they are great filters. Recently got a new 4 series filter (404) and they are even easier to maintain than the previous versions. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[Yeaulman]

What about a Rena Filstar, anyone have any luck with these?