Filter Advice

[Caliban]

So, I am getting a new tank soon and need filtration advice. It is a 29 gallon corner tank, and I am getting it used. It needs a new filter, so I thought I would get your opinion on filtration for this kind of tank. On my other corner tank, which is 44 gallons, I have 2 HOBs and a sponge filter. On this tank, I would like to have 1 filter because maintaining 3 gets to be a lot of work. I have a canister on my 60 gallon that I could move over to this tank as I have been considering getting a bigger filter for that tank. I have a SunSun HW 302 canister on a pretty well stocked 60 gallon. I have had this filter for a while, and like it but I just don’t think it’s enough for the tank. If you have any recommendations for either tank I would be happy to know. The stocking I am planning on having eventually on this tank is:
8 t. Henglai
8 t. Heteromorpha
5 p. Kuhli
Possibly hillstream loaches?
I also have a budget of $115 for this project, so if you have recs outside that, I might not consider it as thoroughly.

 

[SteelersChris]

I'm a huge fan of the Tidal line of HOBs. It has a large open area that you can use to put any type of media/ extra sponge/ filter floss/ carbon/ purigen etc. like an Aquaclear, but it has a submerged pump so it will kick back on automatically if there is a power outage.

I currently have multiple Tidal, Marineland, Aquaclear, Scilent Stream and sponge filters, and I prefer them in that order. Marineland has the submerged pump I like while Aquaclear has the large media area, and Tidal is the best of both worlds in my opinion. I keep mine set up with coarse sponge on the bottom, large media bag of lava rock for biological filtration, and if I need to throw in Carbon or Purigen temporarily to deal with tannins or to remove medication from the water column I can quickly throw a bag in and remove it when I don't need it in there anymore.

 

[bgarthe]

Imho, an AC 50 would be ideal for your tank. I love myACs.

 

[oldfishkeeper]

If it was me, a large sponge filter would do the trick. Inexpensive and effective...Cost...$10 at the most.

 

[DaveKS]

So, I am getting a new tank soon and need filtration advice. It is a 29 gallon corner tank, and I am getting it used. It needs a new filter, so I thought I would get your opinion on filtration for this kind of tank. On my other corner tank, which is 44 gallons, I have 2 HOBs and a sponge filter. On this tank, I would like to have 1 filter because maintaining 3 gets to be a lot of work. I have a canister on my 60 gallon that I could move over to this tank as I have been considering getting a bigger filter for that tank. I have a SunSun HW 302 canister on a pretty well stocked 60 gallon. I have had this filter for a while, and like it but I just don’t think it’s enough for the tank. If you have any recommendations for either tank I would be happy to know. The stocking I am planning on having eventually on this tank is:
8 t. Henglai
8 t. Heteromorpha
5 p. Kuhli
Possibly hillstream loaches?
I also have a budget of $115 for this project, so if you have recs outside that, I might not consider it as thoroughly.

I’m a firm believer that multiple filters are always better than one. By 2 20g filters instead one rated for 40g, you’ll have better circulation patterns in tank if you set it up right. Plus you can alternate filter media cleaning during water changes. Only clean one filter at a time, do next filter after the next water change. Those loaches like good current all around tank, so 1 filter probably won’t cut it.

 

[oldfishkeeper]

Two, larger sponge filters, one in each corner. As was just said, clean one each month or so, following recommended procedures (squeeze out in tank water). You can regulate the amount of flow to keep all you fish happy.

Cost would be around $20...IMHO !

 

[Caliban]

I have been considering everything a ton because I really don’t want to get stuck with something I’m not happy with. I think I like the idea of a HOB or 2, or maybe sponge filters, but I don’t know what I want yet. I like the looks of the AC 50, and how customizable it is. I do love how cheap sponges are though so I might go that route to minimize cost so I can use that money doing something to make it pretty instead of spending more than I need to. I have eliminated the option of a canister, because I decided I should probably keep some emergency cash in case something goes wrong in the near future. I will get my allowance at some point soon, but buying new equipment always leads me down a path of possible debt to my parents. I’m thinking that I should do more thinking and decide if I value customizability or affordability more.

 

[oldfishkeeper]

I have been considering everything a ton because I really don’t want to get stuck with something I’m not happy with. I think I like the idea of a HOB or 2, or maybe sponge filters, but I don’t know what I want yet. I like the looks of the AC 50, and how customizable it is. I do love how cheap sponges are though so I might go that route to minimize cost so I can use that money doing something to make it pretty instead of spending more than I need to. I have eliminated the option of a canister, because I decided I should probably keep some emergency cash in case something goes wrong in the near future. I will get my allowance at some point soon, but buying new equipment always leads me down a path of possible debt to my parents. I’m thinking that I should do more thinking and decide if I value customizability or affordability more.

You have been given the advice of a few experienced people. How you decide to go forward isn't cast in stone. You always have the ability to change but, like most of us, experience is the best teacher. Good luck in your fishkeeping experiences.

 

[DaveKS]

I have been considering everything a ton because I really don’t want to get stuck with something I’m not happy with. I think I like the idea of a HOB or 2, or maybe sponge filters, but I don’t know what I want yet. I like the looks of the AC 50, and how customizable it is. I do love how cheap sponges are though so I might go that route to minimize cost so I can use that money doing something to make it pretty instead of spending more than I need to. I have eliminated the option of a canister, because I decided I should probably keep some emergency cash in case something goes wrong in the near future. I will get my allowance at some point soon, but buying new equipment always leads me down a path of possible debt to my parents. I’m thinking that I should do more thinking and decide if I value customizability or affordability more.

What shape of corner tank is this? A bow front or a corner hex or just a standard hex? Also dimensions would help in pointing you to the right filters.

 

[Caliban]

It is a bow front. It is 27 inches wide, and I don’t know how tall it is

 

[SteelersChris]

I have been considering everything a ton because I really don’t want to get stuck with something I’m not happy with. I think I like the idea of a HOB or 2, or maybe sponge filters, but I don’t know what I want yet. I like the looks of the AC 50, and how customizable it is. I do love how cheap sponges are though so I might go that route to minimize cost so I can use that money doing something to make it pretty instead of spending more than I need to. I have eliminated the option of a canister, because I decided I should probably keep some emergency cash in case something goes wrong in the near future. I will get my allowance at some point soon, but buying new equipment always leads me down a path of possible debt to my parents. I’m thinking that I should do more thinking and decide if I value customizability or affordability more.

I didn’t realize you were so young. It’s very impressive that you are thinking about not wanting to be in debt at a young age and I applaud you for that. So many of us don’t start to think that way until it is too late and we have to work hard to get out of a mess we created for ourselves.

If you like the idea of a HOB or two and want to save some money, and you’re parents are okay with you doing so, you can always get something used in good condition on Facebook marketplace or offer up. Many people buy a tank and then never learn about the nitrogen cycle and quit after loosing fish and there are great deals to be had (in my area there are several aquaclear and marineland filters for $20ish right now) Just be careful and make sure it is something you’re parents are comfortable with.

If not, sponge filters are a great cheap option as many have mentioned. They aren’t the best for mechanical filtration but handle biological filtration just fine if you have smaller fish in the tank that don’t produce a significant amount of waste.

Good luck choosing and have fun!

 

[KingOscar]

Sponge filter(s) will work but can take up swimming space and be unsightly. They also don't offer much water flow. Might want to add a small HOB or internal filter to increase flow.

I would put an undergravel filter because they are efficient, inexpensive, low maintenance, and bomb proof. Then add a small HOB or internal filter for a little extra water flow. I've run setups like this for 10 years without problems or tear downs.

 

[Fishadict512]

I have been considering everything a ton because I really don’t want to get stuck with something I’m not happy with. I think I like the idea of a HOB or 2, or maybe sponge filters, but I don’t know what I want yet. I like the looks of the AC 50, and how customizable it is. I do love how cheap sponges are though so I might go that route to minimize cost so I can use that money doing something to make it pretty instead of spending more than I need to. I have eliminated the option of a canister, because I decided I should probably keep some emergency cash in case something goes wrong in the near future. I will get my allowance at some point soon, but buying new equipment always leads me down a path of possible debt to my parents. I’m thinking that I should do more thinking and decide if I value customizability or affordability more.

The holiday season is right around the corner, so you might be able to ask for an AC. (If you celebrate a holiday.)

Great to see more young fishkeepers! Don't ever stop keeping fish! (I sound so old lol.)

 

[_Fried_Bettas_]

I would recommend different filters depending on if it is a planted tank or not. In a planted tank, water circulation is more important as the plants take care of much of the biological filtration, but get algae if you have dead areas. If you don't have plants, plenty of filter media is important, and I would use your SunSun or something similar. But honestly, it is a rather small tank, you might be best combining a HOB and a sponge filter to keep on a budget in either case, especially if you already have the air pump. This way, you have both filter media and water circulation, and also the extra safety of redundancy. I'll let someone else suggest specific models of HOBs, as I haven't used one for quite some time.

 

[DaveKS]

Two, larger sponge filters, one in each corner. As was just said, clean one each month or so, following recommended procedures (squeeze out in tank water). You can regulate the amount of flow to keep all you fish happy.

Cost would be around $20...IMHO !

Sponge filters are great don’t get me wrong, but unless your talking some of the newer powerhead driven models your not going to get current output that hillstream loaches want. Bubble/air driven sponge filters need not apply for this scenario.

I would recommend different filters depending on if it is a planted tank or not. In a planted tank, water circulation is more important as the plants take care of much of the biological filtration, but get algae if you have dead areas. If you don't have plants, plenty of filter media is important, and I would use your SunSun or something similar. But honestly, it is a rather small tank, you might be best combining a HOB and a sponge filter to keep on a budget in either case, especially if you already have the air pump. This way, you have both filter media and water circulation, and also the extra safety of redundancy. I'll let someone else suggest specific models of HOBs, as I haven't used one for quite some time.

This, circulation patterns in a planted tank matter. In a tank with hillstream loaches they also matter.

Off of basic info provided, this would be my solution. Fluval/AC30 sweeping around front curve. A Sicce nano or 500/700 (love that magnetic mount system, screw suction cups, they also have a very roll your own filter cartridge design). Whole tank will be rotating. Sicce directional output aimed slightly down and at backwall sweeping detritus along backwall towards AC30 input, AC30 output taking advantage of that curved wall, big water sweep around front of tank.

Water changes, alternate filter media refreshes between hob and internal filters.

 

[bgarthe]

In keeping it simple and cheap, do two smaller (less expensive) HOBs that do not use cartridges and achieve water curculation/turnover, great filtration, and ease of service. Imho, with respect, I would steer clear of undergravel filters and would encourage substrate vacuuming at WC time. Such filters can be nitrate factories and even a potential hydrogen sulfide area.

 

[KingOscar]

In keeping it simple and cheap, do two smaller (less expensive) HOBs that do not use cartridges and achieve water curculation/turnover, great filtration, and ease of service. Imho, with respect, I would steer clear of undergravel filters and would encourage substrate vacuuming at WC time. Such filters can be nitrate factories and even a potential hydrogen sulfide area.

ALL filters are factories that will make identical amounts of nitrates given the same amount of ammonia.

It's not possible for any specific filter to make more nitrates than any other filter. X amount of ammonia gets converted into Y amounts of nitrates. Once that happens that's it, the process is done. No more nitrates are produced. The only way to remove these nitrates is with water changes and/or live plants... regardless of type of filtration.

Hydrogen sulfide production is rare in any aquarium but is more likely in one with a deep, undisturbed substrate. Pretty much the opposite of one that has freshly oxygenated water pumping through it.