I have little tanks with power filters and I was considering an emperor 400 for the 55 gallon since it has two pumps, two wheels, and adjustible flow. But then I was reading and it said that the canister filters are quieter and do a better job and is more customizeable in terms of the types of filters. But canister filters are messy to clean and tricky to "prime" (I don't know what that means). Then I was considering a sump, which seems to have loads of benfits, but most (DIY) sumps seem bigger than my aquarium! Besides, my aquarium stand is metal and so it doesn't hide anything and I didn't want to see ugly PVC pipes unless it was actually worth it.
Value is important to me, but price itself is not. If you have experience keeping fish and a 55+ gallon tank, please help me out.
Thank you.
2006-09-22 06:02:12 · 7 answers · asked by ethidda 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
If it were me, I would choose two external filters, one at each end of the tank. It will increase the water being circulated and reduce 'dead' areas in the tank. There is the added bonus of being able to change the filters intermittently rather then losing all the beneficial bacteria in one go. The exact brand you choose will depend on what is locally available, but filters with a bio-wheel would be my choice.
Sumps (and refugiums are great for marine tanks, but don't work nearly as well with freshwater tanks which have fewer benthic life forms other then bacteria).
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2006-09-22 06:38:53 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its a fresh water tank a emperor 400 will suit you just fine. They do a great job. If its a salt water tank go with a faval 404 or an eheim 2115 or 2213. These canister filters are great pieces of equipment and are almost completely silent. They do a great job and are en-expensive considering how well they perform. They also work great on a fresh water system. your water will be perfect with one of these and your fish will thank you for spending the few extra bucks on them.
2006-09-22 07:00:30 · answer #2 · answered by flinch387 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've made a good choice. I have a 55 gallon tank and use the emperor 400. Nice filters, if you want to know more about fish supplies try this site. www.Doctorsfostersmith.com
2006-09-22 06:16:15 · answer #3 · answered by american_pitbull2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I run both a canister and a Penguin 350 on all my 55 + gallon tanks. Can't have to much filtration.
2006-09-22 10:54:16 · answer #4 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with what you are most comfortable with. If you don't know how to operate a certain specialty filter - certainly don't buy it. That could be an expensive error! I've always used biowheel filters and they work great for me. As long as you do water changes and know when and when not to change media and/or how to clean it I don't really think it matters.
2006-09-23 07:34:25 · answer #5 · answered by Soramdara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister (the fish expert) uses a FLUVAL 305 for her 55 gallon tank. her water is crystal clear.
2006-09-22 06:11:11 · answer #6 · answered by Friendly Neighbor 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have a canaster under the tank filter. for a 46 gallon made by cascade it keeps the water very clear and is only changed every other month. i paid $60. for it.
2006-09-22 09:04:43 · answer #7 · answered by Samantha 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋