Canister Filter Advise

[tmiller]

So I'm looking a bit of advise on canister filters.
I'm only just over a week into a fish in cycle and have decided my hob filter would best be replaced with a better canister style.
so a few questions ,
I was looking at this Filter particularly the c-160 @ $109,
can someone recommend a filter in somewhat the same price range maybe +/- $20-$30 as I cant spend a ton right now.

Would i be better off going with a unit sized larger than my 30 gallon set up? would the increased filtration be beneficial?

Since I've somewhat started and am starting to see Nitrite and Nitrate in my tests should I try to run the hob along with the canister side by side until fully cycled or possibly try to move some of the media (its not going to be easy) into the new unit?

Thanks for all your help

 

[Noahs ark6]

The tetra tec range are highly praised amongst the forum. For your tank the ex 700 would be best, but the ex 600 will suffice (ex600= cheaper than 700. ex= $126 ish)

 

[tmiller]

The tetra tec range are highly praised amongst the forum. For your tank the ex 700 would be best, but the ex 600 will suffice (ex600= cheaper than 700)

Are these available in the US? A quick google produced many results but all on your side of the pond ,
I guess I could order one up and have it shipped, best for the money is whats important after all.

 

[Noahs ark6]

You're right, i looked at this page and thought because it was in dollars it would be in the US but it is'nt.

 

[tmiller]

I'm finding the one filter so far recommended a bit hard to find in the US
So a few ideas...
Any opinions?

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals RENA FilStar xP1 Canister Filter

Eheim ECCO Easy 35 External Canister Filter 2232

Eheim Classic External Canister Filter 2211

Eheim Pro External Canister Filter 2222

Since this will be my first canister filter I'm a bit confused as to if there is a difference between fresh and saltwater filters, also it seems but im not sure that most of these come with filter pads but no biological media, is this correct?

Also should I buy based on enough for the tank or should I get one rated a bit larger?

I should add while looking for performance at an affordable price I am also very much looking for as close to silent operation as possible

 

[This Old Spouse]

I always over-filter my tanks. I've found that when I get a filter based on the exact capacity of my tank it doesn't do a good enough job for me. If the flow rate is too high, you can adjust it down by partially closing the valves. IMO, get the larger capacity filter.

 

[tmiller]

I always over-filter my tanks. I've found that when I get a filter based on the exact capacity of my tank it doesn't do a good enough job for me. If the flow rate is too high, you can adjust it down by partially closing the valves. IMO, get the larger capacity filter.

Thank you, that settles part of my dilemma now to settle on a model...
beginning to lean towards the Eheim ECCO Easy 60 External Canister Filter 2234 but still upside down a tad
that is twice the size they say is needed for my tank...

 

[Lufbramatt]

I'd get an Eheim classic 2215 over the ECCO 60.

 

[tmiller]

I'd get an Eheim classic 2215 over the ECCO 60.

Any particular reason for the preference?
I'm totally liking the classics as well , you say the 2215 ( up to 92gal flow of 164gph) would the flow be high in my 30 gal ( see attached pictures)
or would the 2213 (up to 66gal flow of 116) be more appropriate?
I'm going to be keeping African Cichlids.
the decorum will be changed as soon as I'm cycled... not liking the look of the ceramic junk... gonna go with rocks and lots of plants I think
get rid of the blubbers and do a inline heater.

 

[tmiller]

Well here is what I ordered, please feel free to 2nd guess and explain any missteps I may have made here.

Eheim Classic External Canister Filter 2215 and Hydor ETH 200 In-Line Heater 200 Watt - 1/2 inch

 

[shrimply]

I don't really think you've made a mistake in the equipment I'm a big fan of the Eheim Classics, I'd probably have went for the 300w hydor considering the price difference though.

I would be concerned though that that tank is not suitable for African Cichlids, its very tall and not really that large. I'd ask for more advice in the relevant section though as I'm no expert.

Edit due to misplaced "n't"

 

[This Old Spouse]

I don't really think you've made a mistake in the equipment I'm a big fan of the Eheim Classics, I'd probably have went for the 300w hydor considering the price difference though.

I wouldn't be concerned though that that tank is not suitable for African Cichlids, its very tall and not really that large. I'd ask for more advice in the relevant section though as I'm no expert.

+1 (except ... " I *would* be concerned ..."

 

[tmiller]

I have done a bit of reading on them and would have to agree.. maybe not the best tank size and configuration ,
nor will plats be a good idea due to the "redecorating" they will likely be doing on their own, at least once they reach a decent size,
no room to stake out territories along the bottom.
but since these fish are already here I will ultimately need to re-home them
There is a 2nd tank in the works, wasn't originally intended to be very large either but am re-evaluating needs pertaining to that now.
Thanks for all the comments

A short video of the children,
this is just after a water change so background is drooping and a few items are dusted with sand

 

[OldMan47]

I run a Rena XP1 on my 29. It works great but I have to clean it every 6 months or so.

 

[tmiller]

So the gear showed, Is cleaned and installed.
I have to say I'm in love with the Hydor heater , it is out of sight and maintaining perfect temp. @ shrimply I would have gotten the 300w but it only comes in 5/8" and my tube on the 2215 is 1/2" But i see the point of small cost difference.
The 2215 seemed to have way too much flow for this tank at first ( is running side by side with my HOB for now till cycled in).
I turned the spray-bar around so it deflected off the back of the tank, perfect!
It is however a bit louder than I expected, not real bad, kinda like the sound from a cheaper air pump.
can only realy hear it when the house is silent and within 5-10'.

So far so good, I'll check back if any problems.