Extra filtration options ??

Canister filters are exceptionally quiet, and for your tank size, you can get one for like $50 or $60. Sunsun filters are supposedly good I've heard..

 

With you keeping fully stocked I would at least have filtration for 70 gallons. You could get another 20 or 30 gallon HOB and be fine.

 

Anyone have experience with sunsun filters? I see I can get one on amazon relatively cheap

 

I believe Bluestreakfl does.

 

I've only tried two brands since getting back in the hobby, Marineland and Aqueon. Aqueon is a lot quieter than the Marineland.

 

I have been spoiled by canisters, never going back to HOBs lol.

 

I have a canister in my planted tank because it doesn't agitate the surface. I bought the hob before I planted. So just because I have it I'll do HOB my cichlid tank. No plants

 

I have 2 AQUEON 55/75 on my tank ( 72 gallon, rated at 800 gph total )

The one thing that I love about the Aqueons is that they self prime. The motor is on the bottom and as long as the water level reaches the bottom, it will start on its own. The 55/75 holds more media than the smaller HOBS ( I have a Aqua clear sponge and bioballs in one, along with precut filter pads ( 2 in each filter )

I have owned 2 Aqua clears AND BOTH have had times when the suction would go down ( due to power loss ) and would literally run DRY because it would not self prime and suction the water back up This has caused great dislike to these because the one time I was out for 6 hours and the filter was red hot from running with no water in it!
The other time I HEARD it running dry but I have to wonder, what if I was on vacation or out of town?

The AQUEON was about $30.00

 

Switched from an internal fitler (fluval u2) to a very cheap external filter that gets goor reviews everywhere.

So now have a sunsun hw-302 (rated for a 75 gallon). Can be found online for 42USD.
Mine even came with ceramic,etc
They are also sold under other brands if I am not mistaken.

Is very quiet (is next to my 33g tank in my bedroom) and have more noise from my tetra whisper air pump.

So a cannister is not always expensive.

 

PennPlax Cascade isn't too bad either, even the 1500 is less than $100

 

Yeah that sunsun 302 is tempting. But the aqueon HOB is cheap. Decisions decisions

 

But the aqueon HOB is cheap.

I've had one of mine running for 4 years now No problems.

 

Personally, I don't like filters that depend on only one filter media for everything. I want separate media doing different filtration.

 

I agree - I use the cut to fit filter pads for mine AND a sponge and biomax. I keep extra in my housing to be able to fire up the QT tank at any time. Depending on if my fish in the tank come down with something, I throw the media back in the main tank for as long as it can last ( usually get 4-6 months out of each filter pad ) and the biomax and sponge I have not replaced in 2 years.

 

Where do you put the sponge, right before the blue wet/dry thing?

 

Where do you put the sponge, right before the blue wet/dry thing?

No, in the left corner there's space for the sponge AND biomax. There's about 3 inches of space

 

Do you mean the space right after the intake tube and before the blue holster that holds the filter cartridge?

 

Isn't the canister filter kind of a pain ??
I would think so, replacing the suction cups for the wands. Also taking it out of the cabinet for upkeep ??

 

It's actually not as hard as you make it out to be.

 

Do you mean the space right after the intake tube and before the blue holster that holds the filter cartridge?

See on the left side? That's where my sponge and biomax goes...

 

It's meant as a question.
I've not done it, just appears to be a pain. Looking at the suction cups screams upkeep to me.

 

I have a canister for my Fluval edge and while I like it, because of where my tank is located, the canister is visible and there's no where else to put it. I prefer the HOB's just for that reason.

 

See on the left side? That's where my sponge and biomax goes...

View attachment 171925

Just a great idea. Thanks for posting this.

 

My Aqueon 20 doesn't have that black flap on the left... I cut a sponge filter meant for a fluval 406 to fit the space behind the blue bio-holster. Oh I see what you did. You didnt insert the bio-holster in between the two tabs on the side to get more space!

 

My Aqueon 20 doesn't have that black flap on the left... I cut a sponge filter meant for a fluval 406 to fit the space behind the blue bio-holster. Oh I see what you did. You didnt insert the bio-holster in between the two tabs on the side to get more space!

Only the 55/75 has that extra space. That's why I like it because it does fit all of the media that came with my aquaclear ( kept the media, got rid of the filter )
My Fluval edge had an aquaclear that came with it and I replaced it with a canister. I prefer my HOB overall.

 

I prefer canisters, very quiet, and no aeration so it traps the CO2 in for the plants

 

I have an HOB rated for 60 and an internal rated for 30 in my 55gal. I have pothos plant roots in the back of the HOB for nitrate control. I tend to overstock a little so more filtration is better.

 

I have a Sun Sun, and so far, it's been dandy. Extremely quiet, too.

Long term, I can't say, because I've only had it for six months or so. I'm using it as the second filter on a 55 gallon tank along with a HOB.

I, too, like having more than one filter on any tank. Redundancy and more gadgets to play with, too.

 

It also gives us back-up if something should go wrong.

 

Anyone have experience with sunsun filters? I see I can get one on amazon relatively cheap

I always buy Fluval..and they are definitely on the expensive side...but the Sunsun has gotten rave reviews on many forums. They are supposedly the same as an Aquatop that sell for considerably more. Your tank and it's inhabitants will love you for it!

 

I can back up how good Fluval is also, got a 406 on the 75.

 

It also gives us back-up if something should go wrong.

Back ups are what I'm all about. Got extra, heaters, filters, lights, thermometers, etc.

 

I bought another three Aqueon tanks from Petco...and they had the Aqueon filters 30% off. CHEAP!! So I thought I'd try one. I swear by canisters...but for the price...I'd try one out again. With my Petco dollars...it was a steal. Hopefully I will not be disappointed

 

In my personal experience, Aqueon has one of the worst filter designs. Main thing is using just one type of filter media for mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. The bacteria is supposed to grow on that blue plastic thing, which I find absolutely useless. Since it's not the ideal surface for bacteria to stick to. The last fault is it's not as quiet as claimed. You could call it LOUDflow.

 

In my personal experience, Aqueon has one of the worst filter designs. Main thing is using just one type of filter media for mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. The bacteria is supposed to grow on that blue plastic thing, which I find absolutely useless. Since it's not the ideal surface for bacteria to stick to. The last fault is it's not as quiet as claimed. You could call it LOUDflow.

Most of the bacteria will form on rocks and gravel...and the contents of the tank. For $29..what the heck! We will see how it cycles when I start one of these babies up. If I need to go to a canister..believe me..I will. For a bio filter...a canister is the only way to go in my humble opinion, AGAIN...$29 for the biggest one they have. Putting it on a 40 gallon breeder. I have canisters on the rest.

 

... Most of the bacteria in a tank grows on the filter media.

 

In my personal experience, Aqueon has one of the worst filter designs. Main thing is using just one type of filter media for mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. The bacteria is supposed to grow on that blue plastic thing, which I find absolutely useless. Since it's not the ideal surface for bacteria to stick to. The last fault is it's not as quiet as claimed. You could call it LOUDflow.

They are working for us and the weekly API liquid test shows the results. The only HOB filters I have experience with is the Aqueon and Marineland's bio-wheel. The Aqueon is a lot quieter than the Marineland IMO.