$20 Down The Drain! Ooooh My Brain Hurts!

[chadbt]

It's my fault! My happy return to the tropical fish hobby was marred a bit by my "expertise" from so many years ago.

Found a great used aquarium set-up, complete except for gravel and the NOW OBSOLETE undergravel filter. And of course because I used to be an expert, I marched right out and bought one, set it up, set up my tank and only AFTER that did I seek out advice. Error. I do wonder about the LFS guy who sold me the ug filter...if he had mentioned that canister is the way to go...but he didn't, and I didn't ask. No malice toward the clerk. Especially after I went on about what an "expert" (dumb-a$$) I had been so many years ago.

Really it's not money down the drain. The ugf won't hurt anything. Only my pride is hurt. And I learned a lot. So many other life lessons have cost way more. Divorced three times, 'nough said.

Here's the upside. My water tested beautifully today! All is well for my little buddies, hooray! And tomorrow, I'm going to get a canister filter. I've got one picked out, but I'd like to get suggestions from the real experts, hands-on experiences from anyone wishing to share theirs.

So, What's the canister filter you'd recommend? I'll much appreciate your help. Thank you!

 

[Luketendo]

I recommend the fluval ones but many other people will recommend eheim.

 

[tetraqueen]

I maybe seem silly telling an expert this but just to make safe you will need to run both filters as its not only the water that is okay but the filter needs to be matured enough to keep the nitrogen cycle going.

 

[Luketendo]

I maybe seem silly telling an expert this but just to make safe you will need to run both filters as its not only the water that is okay but the filter needs to be matured enough to keep the nitrogen cycle going.

Well If he hasn't cycled yet it doesn't actually matter. I heard bacteria was in the substrate for ugfs.

 

[Squid]

I would recommend an eheim filter, but i'm aware that the US market is a little different with regards to availability. But, what size is the tank, this may help with more precise recommendations.

Cheers
Squid

 

[tetraqueen]

I maybe seem silly telling an expert this but just to make safe you will need to run both filters as its not only the water that is okay but the filter needs to be matured enough to keep the nitrogen cycle going.

Well If he hasn't cycled yet it doesn't actually matter. I heard bacteria was in the substrate for ugfs.

yes but you were changing from ug filter to canister so unless you get media out but then it seems from the other post you know best

 

[SJ2K]

Eheim all the way

 

[Mikaila31]

I recommend either Rena or Eheim. Also with the UGF, the powerheads will make good sponge filters if you have a quarintine tank, and the grates if they are the right size work good for dividers.

 

[chadbt]

Thank you for the responses!

29 Gal US tank size, I'll be leaving the ugf in for quite a while, as it won't hurt. May even get a powerhead and run it in reverse as recommended elsewhere.

The tank is cycled, I did that by borrowing a bunch of gravel from my son's well established tank, and the water tests yesterday were just about perfect.

I'd decided on a Fluval filter, the 205 is for tanks up to 40 gallons. Also considered Eheim, but as mentioned, availability is an issue. Read: not in my lfs.

I appreciate your taking the time to respond SJ2K, Squid, tetraqueen, and Luketendo.

Still open to suggestions, not shopping 'til this afternoon, GMT -7 hrs.

Thanks!

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yeah eheim or tetratec. I have used many fluval filters with no issues at all but lots of people have had problems with them leaking and the seals failing (plus the grey plastic pipe they use is horrible).

If I was you I would probably keep the UGF in there (its there so you might as well use it) switch the powerhead around though so it is a reverse flow UGF. This stops all the waste getting sucked into the substrate and under the UGF plate and should keep it all water borne (so your canister filter will be able to pull it all out and keep your water nice and clean).

Edit: Looks like you beat me too it

 

[chadbt]

I recommend either Rena or Eheim. Also with the UGF, the powerheads will make good sponge filters if you have a quarintine tank, and the grates if they are the right size work good for dividers.

I wondered if Rena would be recommended.

And thanks for the tips on use for the ugf.

Happy Fish!

 

[cheesy feet]

From hearsay Tetratec are supposed to be just as good as the ehiems.

 

[darkwolf29a]

You'll find a lot of people swear by all of them. LOL

I use a Eheim as a biological filter, i.e. no sponges for water polishing, and it works like a charm. I mess with it once a month, maybe. But, others will tell you that you can't trust an Eheim.... I like mine. *shrugs*