What is the quietest/best filter?

[Chillin014]

I have a aquaclear filter for tanks up to 200 gallons. It's basically just a peice of plastic with a motor and some sponges. Looks pretty cheap and i want something better.

I have seen those biowheel things which look cool but over all i know nothing about filters. My mom has a filter on her tank thats very quiet and she hardly EVER cleans her tank but she doesnt' know what brand it is. she has a 15 gallon tank

Anyway whatever you think is quiet and works well that isn't too expensive would be cool.

thanks

oh yeah..expensive is probably somewhere close to 75 bucks

 

[Lateral Line]

Over 40 years I've used many types and makes of filter, now I use Eheim canisters for all but breeding/fry tanks, (where I use sponges of course).

 

[teamfargo]

I actually came here to post the exact same question. I have an aquaclear filter and it is quiet, but seems a bit cheap.

I just bought a penguin 170 and it looks good (has a wheel) but it is so noisy that I can hear it down the hall when I'm trying to sleep. The tank is in my son's room and he refuses to sleep in there now.... I also found that it tends to splash water. The top of the filter and my tank light hood all show water spots now.

I don't even know if the lfs will return it, but I need something different!

 

[Moe]

I have a Filstar XP1 canister filter by RENA on my 20G tank. It is really quiet and does an amazing job cleaning the tank. I got it for $50.00 online. I also have whisper 40 on a 10 gal tank. It does a good job for a small hang on the tank filter. I also have a penguin 125 biowheel. I hate this filter!!! It does a pretty good job cleaning the tank but it is SOOOOOO loud! and it does splash water all over the tank hood and the wall behind the tank.

 

[bluerattyrat]

I have tried a lot of brands of filters and the best and quietest ones with good options as far as filter media are the whisper power filters, easy maininance, easy to set up and plus they give you a 2 year warranty which is really great. Also if you have a question about your filter you just call them even after your warranty is ended and they will still help you out. Talk about helpful!

 

[konrad05]

I have to agree with lateral line. I have two eheims and sometimes I have to check the spray bars cause they're so quiet It's hard to tell if they're on! Best quality in filtration you'll find.

 

[ouchia]

i have to put in my two cents here 'cause i feel there is some misinformation out. i have a penguin biowheel, and it's quiet as hell. i think i know what your problem is, it's the same problem i had when i first got it. you have to fill your tank high enough that the water level is at least flush if not submerging the filter water output. when the level of the outgoing water is even with the tank water level, no noise. and it keeps my 20g clean clean clean. no problems, i love this filter. the only drawback is that i'm getting tired of looking at it hanging on the tank. otherwise, highly recommended.

 

[FreeZe]

but i use a AquaClear 110 on my 55gal and it works great.

 

[subopposite]

You could get an emperor 400 for your 30 gallon tank or even a 280. I have a 400 on my 20 gallon tank, which might be some overkill, but I have yet to lose a fish in over 8 months with it. Plus, mine is quiet. With any hang on back filter, it the water isn't flush, it will make noise. That is why waterfalls are noisy. Anyhow, lots of online stores have them for cheaper prices than Petsmarts and Petcos. Bigalsonline has them for 36.00 I believe and they are rated to do over twice the 30, so that could be an option. Again, I have it on my 20 gallon and I like it.

 

[blakwidoe]

I use a penguin Biowheel and it is quiet as long as the water is flush with the output water flow

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

i use an aquaclear 200 and 300 adn teh only noise is the water run off

 

[yhbae]

AquaClears are good filters if power filter is what you need... Personally, if you have ACs already, I wouldn't switch to other power filters.

Switching to canisters is another story...