Best filter for 20 gal long

Filter talk! I'm planning on getting a 30 gal filter for my 20 long. I will have sand for my tank bed. Is the aquaclear 30 or the aqueon quitflow 30 any good? Which is better, and is there an even better option? Price rang is about 35

 

Much as I love the Aquaclear filters, I couldn't use them in the 20 long with sand substrate because the relatively short height of the tank meant that the outflowing water hit it with full force and kicked sand into the water column constantly. I still use them in my 20 long without substrate but for the sand tank I now use a pair of sponge filters and/or an internal power filter with the outflow nozzle that points out horizontally rather than down

 

The primary benefit that Aquaclear has over other hang on filters like the Quietflow is the lack of cartridges. Instead of using cartridges, you have a sponge, media bag for carbon, and ceramic media. I like being able to clean the sponge and replace the carbon without disturbing the beneficial bacteria.

In my experience working with all sorts of hang on filters, replacing the cartridges haven't ever caused a minI cycle, but they clog really fast and it's a waste of money to replace them.. I'd rather just stick with the sponge and ceramic media so I can thoroughly rinse the sponge.

 

Marineland Penguin Power Filter

I like the Marineland Penguin power filter series. I have used them in a couple of different tanks and they have worked great every time. I actually have had one in constant use for over 2 years and it still works great. I use filter sponge that you can buy online for cheap instead of the filter cartridges because it's a lot cheaper. The water flow is directed across the top of the tank so it shouldn't be a problem for a tank with sand. For a 20 gallon tank I would recommend the

Also be sure to cycle your tank before putting fish into it. If you need help with that you can simply look up "How to cycle a fish tank" or "The nitrogen cycle" I would recommend doing a fishless cycle.

Some Helpful links

 

I like the Marineland Penguin power filter series. I have used them in a couple of different tanks and they have worked great every time. I actually have had one in constant use for over 2 years and it still works great. I use filter sponge that you can buy online for cheap instead of the filter cartridges because it's a lot cheaper. The water flow is directed across the top of the tank so it shouldn't be a problem for a tank with sand. For a 20 gallon tank I would recommend the

Also be sure to cycle your tank before putting fish into it. If you need help with that you can simply look up "How to cycle a fish tank" or "The nitrogen cycle" I would recommend doing a fishless cycle.

Some Helpful links

Yeah I didnt even think about the flow on most stirring up the sand. I know I need to cycle it first too. I'm waiting for pay day to get the tank supplies and start it up. I just want to be sure to get a good filter for my tank. Are those penguins loud?

 

Mine is very quiet. The bio-wheel can splash a little but it doesn't make much if any noise.
Also keeping the water level high so the water return is a little under the water will help with noise a lot.

 

I use aquaclear. I've heard penguins wheels often can get stuck

 

I use aquaclear. I've heard penguins wheels often can get stuck

They only get stuck when they are improperly maintained. As long as you take a cloth and wipe the wheel holders down once a month it will work fine. I only have to clean it once a month and its worked great for 2 years.

 

I'm running a 20 long. Will those filters mess up a sand bottom?

 

No I don't think so. If you look at the picture on amazon a piece of plastic sticks out and breaks the fall of water. Most power filters work like that.

 

No I don't think so. If you look at the picture on amazon a piece of plastic sticks out and breaks the fall of water. Most power filters work like that.

That's the aquaclear model?

 

Not on mine. There's a lip to hook the filter over the edge of the tank but it's still a waterfall.

 

If it drops down it shouldnt mess woth the sand right? Should I put a structure under it?

 

You may have to. In the end I had to just switch to a different type of filter.

 

My aquaclear 30 doesn't mess up my sand.

 

Not on mine. There's a lip to hook the filter over the edge of the tank but it's still a waterfall.

If the water falls straight down there is a possibility that it will mess up the sand it just depends on the tank size and the GPH of the filter. I would try to find a filter with a break to re-direct the flow.




In the picture you can see that the protruding plastic helps break the fall of water and helps its move across the top and slow down before going down to the sand.
The filter in the picture is a Marineland Penguin 150

 

I did the 1dollar per gal sale and got a good deal on an aqueon 30 silent that's 200gph. I paid like 15 bucks for it due to stacked deals. If it doesn't work out it isn't a complete loss

 

Went aqueon quietflow30 if I do a thin layer of sand will it get in the filter and cause damage?

 

I have the aqueon quiet flow 30 in my 10 gallon with sand and it doesn't have any problems. The only problem is if you turn the flow all the way up it will blow the sand away from that one spot. It has adjustable flow so I just keep it on the lowest. I also use the waterbottle method because I have a Betta and it can run on full flow with the water bottle and not disrupt the sand.

 

I have the aqueon quiet flow 30 in my 10 gallon with sand and it doesn't have any problems. The only problem is if you turn the flow all the way up it will blow the sand away from that one spot. It has adjustable flow so I just keep it on the lowest. I also use the waterbottle method because I have a Betta and it can run on full flow with the water bottle and not disrupt the sand.

It won't suck the sand up?

 

I personally use AquaClear pumps. It's the only kind of pump I will ever use. They are amazing. The AquaClear 30 would definitely work great for your tank, but I would personally use a pump rated for a larger tank, this way you get better gallons per hour. The AquaClear 50 costs around CAD $50.

With AquaClear pumps you can ether use the filter media made by Fluval, or use your own. I use the Fluval filter sponge, Fluval Carbon, and some plastic scrubber pads on top.

Over all, the AquaClear pumps are amazing, and I would HIGHLY recommend them. I use a AquaClear 50 and I love it. If you have any questions about the pump, I would be glad to answer them, just send me a message!

Here is a picture of my pump:

 

I personally use AquaClear pumps. It's the only kind of pump I will ever use. They are amazing. The AquaClear 30 would definitely work great for your tank, but I would personally use a pump rated for a larger tank, this way you get better gallons per hour. The AquaClear 50 costs around CAD $50.

With AquaClear pumps you can ether use the filter media made by Fluval, or use your own. I use the Fluval filter sponge, Fluval Carbon, and some plastic scrubber pads on top.

Over all, the AquaClear pumps are amazing, and I would HIGHLY recommend them. I use a AquaClear 50 and I love it. If you have any questions about the pump, I would be glad to answer them, just send me a message!

Here is a picture of my pump:

I ended up going with the Aquino 30 200gph

 

I ended up going with the Aquino 30 200gph

Okay, cool. Hopefully it works out for you!

 

Hey
I have a planted 20 gallon long with an aqueon quietflow 10. Its only inhabitants atm are ramshorn snails. Is this a suitable filter? I plan on having some cortadoras, rasboras and either a Bolivian ram or another schooling fish. I want something that will keep the water nice and clean. I'll be doing weekly water changes once the tank is stocked
Thanks

 

For just the snails its probably enough but once you start adding fish it will be under powered. I love my aquaclears I would probably go with a 50.

 

Every man/women have their preferences. Personally I prefer Aqueon to the Aquaclear. Power interruptions mean priming filter again. Water changes same thing. Only advantage of the Aquaclear is customizing your media. Bottom line just have enough filtration no matter what you use. I use sponges in all my tanks along with my HOB's.

 

My 20 Longs have the Aqueon 30 quietflow.

Also I do not use the expensive Aqueon Cartridges though.
What i'm using right now came from China through eBay.
The width is right but they are 1 inch too short.
I ordered 6 for $5.98 plus Free Shipping
(They come 2 in a pack so it's a total of 12 for $6, Not bad at all).

 

For just the snails its probably enough but once you start adding fish it will be under powered. I love my aquaclears I would probably go with a 50.

Okay I'll invest in a 50. The box for the ten says that it works for 20 gallons but I'd prefer to overfilter than to underfilter.
Thanks

 

With a long tank you need the little more water flow. Ive found that if you keep the water level from dropping too low they self prime.

 

With a long tank you need the little more water flow.

Yeah that was one of my main concerns with only using the 10
Thanks for your help

 

I'd suggest getting a double nozzle air pump and two of the suction cup sponge filters on either side. Would not recommend aquaclear I have already gone through two in one year.

 

My aquaclear 110 has been in continuous use for about 15 years now. I have others that have 5-10 years use never had an issue other than they get noisy if sand gets around the impeller shaft.

 

Would an aqueon quietflow 50 suffice? It would rotate my water 12.5 times per hour and seems to be relatively inexpensive

 

An Aqueon Quietflow 50 should be enough filtration for the 20 gallon.

 

We have four 20 longs right now and I run Aquaclear 30's on all of them and love them.

 

Hey again, I realize I have a couple more questions about filters again.
Quick recap of my situation: I have a planted 20 gallon long that is in the middle of a fishless cycle. I have an aqueon quietflow 10 in the tank currently. I don't plan on overstocking my tank but I also want to have a couple different type of fish and don't want to underfilter.
I haven't purchased anything yet and I'm curious if adding a sponge filter along with my aqueon quietflow 10 would work instead of buying a whole new filter. The reason for this being is that I don't want to restart my cycle by getting rid of my current filter. Will replacing my aqueon restart the cycle?

 

Hey again, I realize I have a couple more questions about filters again.
Quick recap of my situation: I have a planted 20 gallon long that is in the middle of a fishless cycle. I have an aqueon quietflow 10 in the tank currently. I don't plan on overstocking my tank but I also want to have a couple different type of fish and don't want to underfilter.
I haven't purchased anything yet and I'm curious if adding a sponge filter along with my aqueon quietflow 10 would work instead of buying a whole new filter. The reason for this being is that I don't want to restart my cycle by getting rid of my current filter. Will replacing my aqueon restart the cycle?

If you move the media of the aqueon into the new filter, you won't lose the cycle.

That said, a sponge filter combined with a HOB, like the Aqueon you already have, actually works pretty well.

 

If you move the media of the aqueon into the new filter, you won't lose the cycle.

That said, a sponge filter combined with a HOB, like the Aqueon you already have, actually works pretty well.

Okay thank you, I'll stick with adding a sponge filter.

 

I have the AC50 on a 20 long. It's a bit complicated in terms of current. The surface of my water that is on the other end of the filter gets stagnant and builds up film sometimes. However, it's not too bad. On the other hand, my fish don't actually utilize the side of the tank where the water drops back into the tank because I think it's too strong. You can mitigate this by adding something in the overflow however. Something to keep in mind.

 

Just wondering what the best filter for a 20 long would be.