fishingman001

My aquaclear 50 just died and I want to purchase another filter. What do people think is the best filter? I don't want to spend more than $70 or so.

I looked at the Tetra Whisper EX70, AquaClear 70, and Marineland Magnum Canister filters but can't decide which one to get.

Thanks.

chickadee

For that money and ease of use and maintenance I love the EHEIM Liberty HOB filter. They have paddles inside for the carbon and for the sponge to grow the biological filter on. I love mine and they are really easy to maintain. For a canister but more expensive, the Marineland C Class cannot be beat. I love them for all reasons imaginable. They do a wonderful job, are easy to set up, come with easy instructions including a DVD that shows everything, have wonderful customer service and are very easy to prime and maintain. (but they do not fall in the price range you mentioned)

Toddnbecka

Aquaclears have a lifetime warranty. They also sell replacement impellers and shafts, which are the main things that wear out. I use them almost exclusively; even when I pick up a whisper with a used tank deal I sell it and buy an aquaclear if I'm going to use a hob filter on the tank.

ccb04

For HOB, my personal preference would be AquaClear. IMO, they are the best HOB filters. Thus, I'd go with the AC70.

Don't have much experience with canisters ... but Rena Filstar, Marineland C-Series, and Eheim Classic, would be at the top of my list were I looking for one.

aquarist48

Hello FishingMan. I too like the Aqua Clears. I have 3 of them. So much room for the good biological media and easy access.

Don't forget to check the "reviews" section of the forum as well. Lots of good information there as well.
Ken

fishingman001

thanks for the advice. i checked the reviews and decided on an AC 70.