Filter question?

Question

I was just wondering for all you fish experts out there ;) I'm buying a new tank this weekend, either a 20 gall, 29 gall or 30 gallon. What kind of filter, heater, etc, would be the best for a spending limit, hopefully nothing over 60 bucks? Im on a short budget string as for now. Please dont give me any wait till you get more money, it will come later, but as for now, thanks to those who answer my questions.

PS: I'm getting Kuhli Loaches, so undergravel filters are useless for me( im getting sand).

Answer 1

Dont scrimp on the filter...it is the essential part of the tank. I would always go for an external canister as they take less maintainance generally and are much more effective than small internal filters. Heaters are much of a muchness, just make sure the wattage is suitable for the size of your tank.
A word of warning...DO NOT put fish in until you have cycled your tank otherwise they will die. See link below for info on fishless cycling :)

Answer 2

I would get a good power filter something like a Penguin or an Aqua clear. The Penguin 350 would be great for all those sizes and you can get it for under $30 at petsmart online, you can print out the online price and bring it to the store and they will match it. The Aqua clear 70/300 would be good too and you can also get that for under $30. Just make sure whatever filter you get it's strong enough for the tank, usually you have to get the next size up, so if you get the 20 you would need a filter rated for a 30. I usually aim for 10x the turn over rate so for a 20 gallon I try to have 200 gph and for a 30 I would have 300 gph, you can never over filter but you can under filter so get the biggest one you can. Most filters have a flow switch so if the flow is too strong you can just turn it down, instead of having one that isn't strong enough and having to buy another filter. Canisters are great filters but they are also very costly and better for larger tanks.

Any heater is fine just get one for your size tank. I personally like submersible heaters better and they cost around the same as other heaters.

Answer 3

Go to petsmart or anything chain petstore and get a 20 gallon set up tank for like $80 dollars which includes the heater, filter, food, water conditoner , nets, everythign you will need. Unfortunley i dont think any tank, filter and heater will cost less than 60 dollars

Answer 4

You might check the classified section of your newspaper. Sometimes people sell their aquariums with filters, heaters and everything else really cheap.