Best filter for platies?

I know platies can make lots of waste, so I’m looking for a filter for at least 40 gallons. Don’t know if my tank will be a 20 or 29. I’m a huge fan of tetra internal power filters; but that takes up too much inside space. Maybe a HOB, with a sponge filter attached on the end? Preferably not a canister, but if it’s best I can try. Also would like it to be cheap. I could also run two, if it’s like a sponge filter and a hob filter.

 

I know platies can make lots of waste, so I’m looking for a filter for at least 40 gallons. Don’t know if my tank will be a 20 or 29. I’m a huge fan of tetra internal power filters; but that takes up too much inside space. Maybe a HOB, with a sponge filter attached on the end? Preferably not a canister, but if it’s best I can try. Also would like it to be cheap. I could also run two, if it’s like a sponge filter and a hob filter.

I've just got a Fluval HOB filter on my 25gal and took some cheap topfin sponges and put them on the input. Works fine for me and I've got multiple tanks with platies.

 

I've just got a Fluval HOB filter on my 25gal and took some cheap topfin sponges and put them on the input. Works fine for me and I've got multiple tanks with platies.

Ok, I’m looking for something 200 gallons plus, and I think aquaclear is out of my price range for that. However I was thinking it might be cheaper to buy my own media and customize my filter. Maybe a cheap filter like tetra or seapora? Just something that works well and I can customize. Maybe even marine land penguin.

 

For either a 20 gallon or 29 gallon tank, a HOB filter would work well. A 20 gallon tank can either be a 20 long or a 20 tall. You need to figure out which you have as you need to know for doing water changes, stocking levels, medication dosage, etc. Here are the approximate dimmensions of standard tanks.

20 gallon tall- 24'' L x12'' W x 16 3/4" H
20 gallon long - 30" L x 12' W x 12 3/4" H
29 gallon - 30" L x 12" W x 18 3/4" H

Typically, I recommend purchasing a filter rated 10X the tank volume in flow per hour. Thus, if you have a 20 gallon tank, you should get a HOB filter rated 200 gph. If you have a 29 gallon tank, get a filter rated 300 gph.

The three best HOB filters I know of are the Fluval Aquaclear filters, the Seachem/Sicce Tidal filters, and the Fluval C Series filters. The Aquaclear filters have a very long history of reliability. I had one that lasted me for 20 years. Over the years, I have used HOB filters by Aqueon, PennPlax, Marineland, Tetra, and AquaTech, but none have been as reliable as the Aquaclear. I have not tried either the Tidal filter, or the C-series filters, but I would consider them if I have to replace my Aquaclears.

If you decide to get an Aquaclear, the appropriate model for a 20 gallon tank is the Aquaclear 50 rated at 200 gph flow. The appropriate model for a 20 gallon tank is the Aquaclear 70 rated at 300 gph. If you select another brand, chose a similar size.

While my recommendations on flow might seem excessive, by the time you put filter media into the filter, the flow will be just fine. I have a 55 gallon tank with platies. I started off with 3 adult platies and ended up with over 50 in a few months time. On that tank, I have a Aquaclear 110 (500 gph) plus an Aqueon 75 (400 gph). While that seems like overkill, it is not. The filter media plugs up quickly and the flow drops significantly.

 

Ya, I’ve been doing a bunch of research in filters lol. For me, I think the Aqua clear is slightly out of my price range. 40 bucks is about the max. However, I did find a filter similar to Aquaclear, cheaper but also slightly less GPH. This filter is the marine land pro penguin 175. It’s got a customizable filter media basket, two cartridge slots, and the bio-wheel. I don’t want to use the cartridges for this tank though. I plan to buy and customize the media for this tank. I’ll probably get the customizable cartridges that marine land sells, then fill one with filter floss and one with carbon. I’ll also add some sponges and other stuff where they will fit for maximum bacteria growth. In the little media basket I’ll put bio-rings or something similar. So, for this would the 175 work? Believe I’m getting a 20 gallon, however it hasn’t been decided tall or long since we currently have not gotten a stand. If I can, I’ll try to get a long.

 

Ya, I’ve been doing a bunch of research in filters lol. For me, I think the Aqua clear is slightly out of my price range. 40 bucks is about the max. However, I did find a filter similar to Aquaclear, cheaper but also slightly less GPH. This filter is the marine land pro penguin 175. It’s got a customizable filter media basket, two cartridge slots, and the bio-wheel. I don’t want to use the cartridges for this tank though. I plan to buy and customize the media for this tank. I’ll probably get the customizable cartridges that marine land sells, then fill one with filter floss and one with carbon. I’ll also add some sponges and other stuff where they will fit for maximum bacteria growth. In the little media basket I’ll put bio-rings or something similar. So, for this would the 175 work? Believe I’m getting a 20 gallon, however it hasn’t been decided tall or long since we currently have not gotten a stand. If I can, I’ll try to get a long.

The Marineland Penguin filter is less expensive, but by the time you customize the filter media, you will have spent as much or more than the Aquaclear will cost you. If you do not plan to use the filter cartridges, purchase a filter that is designed to be used without filter cartridges. The Aquaclear comes with a foam block filter, Biomax ceramic media and activated carbon (which you may or may not want to use). The Aquaclear 50 costs $40 on Amazon and will provide everything you need to get started. While it would not be my first choice for a 29 gallon tank, I do recommend it for a 20 gallon tank. There is a reason that Aquaclear has been a best selling aquarium filter for several decades. Remember that a good filter can last you for many years. Aquaclears have lasted me far longer than any other filter I have ever tried. They are worth a few dollars more.

 

Really? 40 bucks? I’ll see if I can find it. Most places I’ve been searching have it at 50. It fits only 40 I think I’ll pick that instead. Thank you so much!