what type of filter do you recommend?

My filter just isn't good anymore....it doesn't work good enough
my fish are listed below.
and I have soemthing like a tetra whisper or something around!
i've only had it for about 3-5 months...so it should be still good,
but I don't like it! doesn't do the job good enough
+(it's a ten gallon) anyways..
any help is definetly appreciated!!
thanks!

 

I would go with an Aqua-Clear. I believe the correct model would be a 20 or 30 (they're redone them since I purchased all of mine). They're very simply filters yet they do a great job. They're my favorite HOB (hang-on-back). They come with carbon and some other type of media that they recommend you use and replace all the time but all you need is the actual cartridge.

 

do you by any chance know if they sell those as PetCetra or Big als?
and approx. how much it will cost!
that'd be great
thanks!

 

I'm not sure about the other store (I've honestly never heard of it). I'm assuming that's another Canadian chain. :-D

 

well I looked that up in the canadian site...and all they had were the things that go in it...not the actual filter:
so I was wondering if this one might be good..?

 

Those work well, too.

 

This topic has been merged from two the same topics (one in the Freshwater Beginners and the other in the Filtration board), into one, right here on "Filtration" board.

I agree with JP: I'd also recommend the Aqua Clear power filter. They're really good and reliable. especially if you have an overstocked tank. You should check if they have these filters at your LFS. If not, many online stores have these filters. I think they're the best power filters. Personally have one on my 30 gallon tank (Aqua Clear 70). Great filters.

 

I always got Top Fin filters.

 

I'v used bio-wheels, whispers, and elite stingrays along with sponge filters and my favorite or bio-wheels and the elite though I'v only heard good about the aquaclear and my friend has it and it does a great job so I'm sure you'l be sastisfied with it. Just my two cents.

 

You have too much fish you need a under gravel fillter that uses a air pump to power it which will let yo keep a lot of fish _____ trust me I have 2 fish shops and I breed clownfish which are the most exotic fish.

 

I personally like AquaClears. They are cheap and work just like a canister filter. The 150/30 model is a good choice for a 10 gallon tank. I also have one on my 10 gallon tank.

 

An Under gravel filter would certainly help a lot with an overstocked tank like yours, especially if you back it up with an air box or powerhead filter. just make sure that you keep the internal filter clean and let the UGF take the bio-load. It will also help to airate the tank, which would be a real benefit for your setup.

BTW, how big is the plec? This could be putting a serious strain on your tank if it's growing fast, and they are not the cleanest of fish for small tanks, although they keep check of any algae, they do produce a lot of waste and really need larger tanks long-term.

Are you having problems with algae? This is a good sign of high nitrates or excessive lighting periods, or both. How often do you perform water changes, and how much each time? some of the main reasons for filter problems is insufficient water changes, overfeeding, overstocking or poor maintenance, ie. not gravel vacuuming often enough.

You also have a cory, which will be constantly rooting on the bottom, stirring up the silt and causing cloudy water. maybe your filter is working fine, it's just being asked to do too much!

 

I understand your problem, and i'm having the same. I have two tanks, a 20 gallon, and a 55 gallon showtank (which means it actually hold 62). I have used the tetra whisper filters, and since they are no longer working as they used to I am looking to upgrade. there are also undergravel filters on both tanks.

in the 20 gallon, I have 2 hang-on filters (15 gals each), with guppies and swordtails and an 8-9" plec (my daughter's tank).I couldn't tell you a number if I wanted...they keep multiplying (are they related to rabbits?jk) no matter what has ever happened, or how much time has passed since I had time to change the water it was never very unhealthy for longer than maybe a week. I have lost 2 fish in the last 3 weeks (very unusual, the only other thing I can come up with is old age? about 15 - 18 months since I had them), and I am assuming it is due to the filtration.

in the 55, I have about 25 community tropicals, 2 plecs (1 lg, 1 med) and what I think is a bala shark (it was purchased for me almost 20 months ago, and the person thought it was pretty. thank goodness he gets along with everyone! he's about 7.5" long now). it has 2 40 gal filters on the back of that tank as well.

I purchased all new filtration systems Jan of 2006, but the same as was on there before. I would like to try something different, that might last a little longer and hopefully better. i'm planning on doing both tanks (purchase and installation) this weekend because I do not have to work, and also looking for someplace that has customer reviews as well.

 

I would say go with emporer 350 or 400 if any thing your tank would be to clean haha. emporer 400 is for a 80 gal tank. since you have a good bit of fish in your tank that would be perfect I think