Aquarium Filter Recommendations

[AFJuvat]

Hi all.

I have a 55 gal fresh-water aquarium. It currently has a powerhead filter. However, I am not happy with the water quality.

I am considering a canister filter. Does anyone have recommendations?

Thanks

AFJ

[bell]

i've had good luck with fluval, but have heard good things about the magnums too.

i'm using a custom sump filter which i built.....have about $150 in it with the overflow box/sump pump/plumbing etc......turns over 300 gallons per hour for my 75 gallon. my fluval is in a 60 gallon, and have a hang on back style for my 55 gallon.
i found the best way to keep things really clean and clear is to use a canister filter or sump, then use a bio-wheel type filter hanging on the back, the bio-wheel will help "polish" the water and keep it clear....the sump will handle the majority of the filtering.

stay away from undergravel filters....they don't work well and are a pia when you need to clean/syphon.

[Dave L]

I have been running a Fluval canister for years on my 65 gallon with African Cichlids along with a power head filter. This does a good job but the filter needs to be cleaned monthly.

I belive an Ehiem is a much better filter requiring less cleaning but is more expensive. My plan was to use the Fluval to get things running and then upgrade. But like I said its doing a good job so I have never seen the need.

[pbs911]

Either the Fluval or Ehiem will do a good job. Probalby THE biggest overlooked failure in a filter system is suspending the waste in the water column so the filter can do it's job. If waste just rests on the bottom, the best filter in the world could not remove it.

[bell]

i have 2 big tiger oscars, they are poop machines....you'd think a cat is in the tank
the hot setup to keep crap (literally) from settling on the bottom is undergravel jets, simply a submersible powerhead attatched to pvc to nozzles in variuos spots at the bottom of the tank, the gravel will hide the pvc, with creative pointing you can dirrect the flow of waste, most of mine goes to my pre-filter in my overflow and get's trapped in one spot.

here's a how-to for the ugj's

http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/ug_jets.php

[allaircooled]

I have a Fluval 304 for my 55 gal. I sold my Magnum on fleabay because I hated it. I agree with bell, stay away from undergravel filters.