What type of filter is best and why

[k2snowboards88]

i'm new to aquariums and i don't know much about filters.

 

[balloon molly]

it depends on what kind of tank size you have.

 

[yhbae]

For smaller tanks up to 55g, power filters are good (AquaClear, Penguin, Emperior).

For larger tanks (60g+), a combination of a power filter and a canister filter works wonders (Eheim, Rena Filstar XP). If you don't have the budget, you can go with two high end power filters.

For specialized fry tanks, sponge filters work very well for them.

Don't use under ground filter on any tanks.

 

[new fish lover]

I agree definetly need to know what fish and what size tank. However, I have great luck with the Penguin filters with biowheel.

 

[Grouchy]

Also depends some other things too. I think power filters with bio wheels do a great job but you really need a full tank or they get noisy (water level must be above the base of the output ramp). If noise is a consideration ...


From what I read online and in forums it looks like under gravel filters are on their way out?

I saw these guidelines somewhere else:

1-5 gallons (hospital or breeding tanks) - sponge filter
10-22 gallons - internal cannister or power filter with bio wheel
29-35 gallons - external cannister or good power filter with bio wheel
50+ gallons - external cannister

Also, look at the fish you are keeping. If you are keeping some prolific crappers (large plecos, some cichlids) then take that in mind when picking a filter (most online docs on fish will note they produce a lot of feces).

 

[NickT]

i have a pinguin mini runing on my 10G and it seem underpowerd and the filter is too small (cloged in 3 weeks) ... i think nextime i have the money im gonna get the bigest pingun i can. in the mean time i use a 300 GPH pump and a fue cotton balls to help the mini out....

and i dont think in my case its a stocking problem

 

[yhbae]

i have a pinguin mini runing on my 10G and it seem underpowerd and the filter is too small (cloged in 3 weeks) ... i think nextime i have the money im gonna get the bigest pingun i can. in the mean time i use a 300 GPH pump and a fue cotton balls to help the mini out....

and i dont think in my case its a stocking problem

What exactly do you have in that tank that would clog the Penguin that fast?

 

[Juggernaut22988]

I think that an AquaClear is the way to go for most types of tanks because it is cheap and reliable. My AquaClear has been running without a problem for almost two years....

If you want a larger tank,,,,,,then I would suggest the high end filters....they would usually cost upwards of 100 dollars....and cost more to maintain (filter media)

 

[Matty]

I would go with a power canister if you have the space

 

[finnster]

Don't use under ground filter on any tanks.

Just wondered why?

 

[finnster]

From what I read online and in forums it looks like under gravel filters are on their way out?

I've been using them for years and just wondered why they appear to be on their way out?
I do use other filtration - sponge filters/power filters - but whats the prob with UGF's?

 

[enchanted]

Well, for one you shouldn't use UGF with Plants. Also, it doesn't actually clean anything. It provides just about the best biological filtration available because of the water movement through the gravel, but it proceeds to pull all the dirt and trash down into the gravel.

In combination with another filter they are good, but with the advent of the biological filteration on most power filters today the value of the UGF is declining rapidly.


Edit: On topic I prefer the penguins for back filters. Major reason is the customer service and caring of Marineland as a company. Personally though, I wish I had canister filters.

 

[Elisabeth83]

In all 4 of my tanks I have sponge filters....do I maybe need someone else? Are sponge filters ok for 26-30 gallon tanks? I clean them weekly by lightly rinsing them in old tank water...after a water change.

 

[yhbae]

In all 4 of my tanks I have sponge filters....do I maybe need someone else? Are sponge filters ok for 26-30 gallon tanks? I clean them weekly by lightly rinsing them in old tank water...after a water change.

Sponge filters do a great job with biological filtration. It's not very good at mechanical which could be problematic if you have fishes that produce alot of waste or has a messy eater. If you don't, your filters will be ok, especially if you water is clear.

I personally use power filters over sponge filters whenever possible as it does both bio and mech. filtering well. (i.e. is water current is a problem, I use sponge filters).