ok i am gettin a filter on the net

[Unphased]

im lookin to spend about 50- 70 bucks on a filter. i want to konw the diff between canaster and like say an emperor.

just give me what you guys think =)


it will be going on a 55 gal that will be housing a nicaraguense , a firemouth cichlid, and a few other fishys

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Mechanical filtration is the extraction of debris from the water. This type of filtration removes large floating and suspended debris, and these filters may sweep up fry and small fauna.

Biological filtration is the culturing of beneficial bacteria that break down harmful ammonia into its less harmful form, though still detrimental to the fishes’ health when in high amounts—nitrates. Activated carbon, and clinoptilolite are the media that provide the removal ammonia and detoxification of the ammonia.

Filters are also important because they provide water movement that enhances oxygen diffusion and carbon dioxide expulsion.

Power filters are filters that hang on the back tank wall. This type of filter provides mechanical filtration by capturing large floating and suspended debris in the filter pads. These filters use removable cartridges that are placed in the filter and are discarded monthly. These cartridges have various filter media inserted in them to provide biological filtration. This method of filtration also provides surface agitation, which assists in gas exchanges between the water and the air.

Canister filters work in almost the same way as power filters. The differences are that canister filters have a far higher initial cost, but they make up for this by providing a series of different filter media to ensure superior filtration. These filters also provide circulation of water to assist in gas exchanges.

Undergravel filters are metal plates placed underneath the gravel to remove particles that have gotten wedge between and beneath the substrate. The bad thing about this type of filtration is that these filters can get clogged if too much debris is trapped in the gravel, so more frequent water changes are required.

Sponge filters are normally used in breeding tanks. These filters do not disturb the fry, eggs, or bubble nests that anabantoids create, and these filters will not suck up fry the way other filters do. These filters offer very little, if any, mechanical filtration, but they do provide biological filtration, which is more important for spawn and fry.


Perhaps more than you need to know, but doesn't hurt.

 

[Unphased]

how about somthing like this: http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...AK&N=2004+22777

 

[yhbae]

At your price point, it might be difficult to get a good canister filter that is sufficient for your tank. Some of the options include Filstar XP2($65), Eheim 2213($65) and ViaAqua 650($55). All of them are rated good for 65-75g but often, they over-rate themselves so personally, I would add another power filter alongside them. If you choose Eheim 2217 or Filstar XP3, it should be more than enough by themselves, but it will be outside your budget.

Alternatively, you could go with two power filters. Perhaps an Emperior 400 and another Emperior 280 or Aqua Clear 300. (Not sure if your fishes will handle the water current generated by two EMP400 or two AC500). This will also give you a nice redundancy in case one of the fails as well...

My 2c.

 

[Lateral Line]

In your tank it probably is not an issue, but...

>>> and carbon dioxide expulsion.

... in a planted tank, this is obviously undesirable.

>>> Power filters are filters that hang on the back

External canisters are also power filters. HOB/HOS are just a type of power filter. HOB type filters use up space around the top of the tank and again are a nuisance in planted tanks since they use up space that could be used for lighting, and create a lot of surface agitation which drives CO2 out of solution.

 

[enchanted]

For a standard 55 Gallon, if you are trying to do it inexpensively, you could go with the Magnum filter you linked to. It is a good filter and would handle the setup fine.

Personally, I like MarineLand and would only use there products if it was always my choice.

For the price you mentioned I would agree with a Emperor 400 or you could go with a Penguin 330. I use a single penguin 330 on my planted 55 Gallon and have had no problems.