I need second filter recomendations

I'm getting a 55 gallon tank tonight I have a 20 gallon currently and will be transferring everyone and everything over to the 55 (slowly).
My current filter is a HOB Aqueon Quiet Flow 20. I realize I will need a second filter to add to the 55.

Which one/kind and why?


Thanks in advance!

 

Thought about a cannister??
I have a Cannister filter on my 60g. It's quieter than the 3 HOBs I have on my smaller tanks

 

If it must be a HOB, go with the Fluval C Series. For the 55, a C4. Lots of flexibility with media and a very, very good HOB filter. While Fluval has several options for chemical, you can use other options (like Purigen) very effectively. I run Purigen and Seachem's Matrix for bio in my C4. It's also easy to remove some of the bio media to seed another filter - something that you will find is a challenge with the cartridge-style QuietFlow.
But ... a canister would be better. I've been happy with my Fluval 406 but any canister will give you flexible media options. I'm not as familiar with other canisters out there but I've also seen the Eheims highly recommended. The canister does blow the HOB filters away.

 

I would suggest a canister filter as well.
I tend to use both HOB and canisters where I can because after a power failure the HOB filters I use, especially the smaller ones, sometimes fail to regain prime. If this were to happen at the beginning of say, a week's vacation, the tank would be in real jeopardy.---------rick

 

I'm intrigued by this canister you speak of!

How do they work? Where is the placement in the tank?

 

Canisters go outside and under the tank, not in the tank. They work pretty much the same way as an HOB ... intake of water, forcing it through media and returning to the aquarium. However, because they are completely enclosed canisters, there's less (to no) chance of bypass. And since they hold more media, there's less maintenance. Media is placed in different trays at different levels so there's a lot of flexibility to add whatever media is best suited for your environment and filtration goals. Here's a link to the product page for the Fluval 306: . Look at the instructions and it'll give you an idea of what I'm talking about. BUT ... they are more expensive.
The C-series is a HOB that offers similar customization but you don't have as much room for the different media so your options are more limited.

I tend to use both HOB and canisters where I can because after a power failure the HOB filters I use, especially the smaller ones, sometimes fail to regain prime. If this were to happen at the beginning of say, a week's vacation, the tank would be in real jeopardy.---------rick

A computer UPS battery backup helps keep the filters going. You won't need one that's too expensive as the draw for your filter and air pump are FAR less than a computer.

 

Good suggestion, Thanks--rick
In my case, however, I think that I'll continue to take comfort in the canisters not losing prime, as in my little hamlet, 24 hr blackouts are not terribly unusual, and I have a whole lot of tanks.
I will definitely will go with your suggestion with my smaller HOB alone filtered tanks, though-really an excellent idea, and thx again.

SpiralSnail, I noticed that you had said that you would be making a slow transfer. While I very strongly agree with the slow introduction of new fish to an established aquarium, your case is a little different.
Your filter media basically holds all the BB, although any surface in the tank will have some, meaning that if you transfer your filter and entire bioload at once (you can add some surface substrate/ornaments if you wish) your cycle will remain uninterrupted.
A slow transfer of bioload might starve some of the BB currently in your tank. All the best, rick

 

I would suggest a SunSun canister filter. The SunSun HW-302 is being sold on ebay right now for around $30 including shipping to your door. They are the best value around, being cheaper then most HOB even. You could get the next model up (HW-303 I believe, not sure) and you could completely replace your smaller filter, and only need that 1 canister on the tank. I run a HW-302 on my 40 gallon and it does great. They are rated for tanks up to 75 gallons, but I think that would be pushing it. Here is a link that explains the HW-302 and what comes with it, how to setup, etc....



One thing to consider, is that they come with only a few white fine filtration pads for media, so you will need to purchase some more. They make a 4 piece pack of pads that include 1 blue coarse pad, and 3 white fine pads and they are sold on ebay for around $6 including shipping. Then you would need some bio media, and I suggest Seachem Matrix. A 1 liter bottle would be enough and usually costs around $8-10. So for $16 additional, you would have all the media you need. If you go with the larger filter (HW 303) you may need a larger bottle of Matrix.

 

I would go for a canister filter on anything over 30 gallons. I have a Fluval 406 on my 50 gallon tank and it does the job very well. I have only ever used Fluval filters so cannot really comment on any other brands but there are plenty of people who seem to rate the SunSun so they could be the way to go if you are looking to spend more of your budget on the fun parts of a new tank build, like more fish.

 

SpiralSnail, I noticed that you had said that you would be making a slow transfer. While I very strongly agree with the slow introduction of new fish to an established aquarium, your case is a little different.
Your filter media basically holds all the BB, although any surface in the tank will have some, meaning that if you transfer your filter and entire bioload at once (you can add some surface substrate/ornaments if you wish) your cycle will remain uninterrupted.
A slow transfer of bioload might starve some of the BB currently in your tank. All the best, rick

I am using everything from the 20 gallon. SO you think if I just "dump" everything in the new tank, i.e.. my current filter,gravel, ornaments, water and heater it would be ok?

That would be great! Then I could just get some more gravel, ornaments, and another filter.

OMG I'm getting so excited!!!!!!! arty0049:

 

Just as points of info: if you for a Fluval C HOB you are more than half way to the price of a lower cost canister. There are two, that I know of, HOBs that self prime after a power outage - Aqueon and Marina! although marina's are quite small.

 

Ok so after some research I've settled on the SunSun Canister filter.

Now, do I get the HW-303 (it has UV in it) Or the HW-302?

Do I need the UV?

 

The UV feature in that canister filter is only useful as a water clarifier for algae outbreaks.

 

I ordered the Sunsun Hw-302. I ordered the "pro kit". Which means it comes with 3 extra floss pads, a 1 lb bag of carbon, a 1 lb bag of ceramic noodles and bio balls. I paid $58 including shipping.

Thanks so much for all the advice!

 

You made a great choice in my opinion, you will be happy with the SunSun. I have the HW-302 as well, as I don't think I need a UV light. Check out the link I posted in previous post for a basic run down of what it includes and setup.