Considering A Canister Filter

[sic0198]

I have a 29 gal with convicts and convict fry in it. I really think a canister filter would benefit both me and my convicts.

I saw a fluval 205 today, it was $99. But I'm thinking of getting a 305. Is this a good filter?

I'm also thinking about a Rena XP2 filter, are these better? If so is it just marginal or is there a big difference?


What are the different kinds of filter media I can buy?

 

[Colin_T]

Fluvals are a pretty good brand of filter. They have been around for years and come with a long warranty, (3 yrs I think). I prefer Fluvals to Renas for powerfilters becuase i have had more success with them.
Most power filters come with sponges, noodles or ceramic beads, and some carbon (black granulated stuff). You can use any or all of these things. The ceramic beads/noodles are used to hold beneficial bacteria. The sponges hold bacteria and trap gunk. Carbon removes chemicals from the water. If you want to grow plants or treat the fish with medication then the carbon should be removed. You can also add some white filter floss/wool (Dacron) and it will help to trap very fine particles of rubbish.

 

[sic0198]

So the fluval 205 would work? Would the 205 or 305 be best for my tank, keep in mind it is a 29 gallon and [right now] there are 2 convocts + fry] but in the future I may switch back to a community environment?

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

So the fluval 205 would work? Would the 205 or 305 be best for my tank, keep in mind it is a 29 gallon and [right now] there are 2 convocts + fry] but in the future I may switch back to a community environment?

The 205 is sufficient filtering for up to a 40 gallon tank, so that would be a good amount of over-filtering.

 

[LosC519]

It's better to go with a filter rated twice the size of your tank. Go with a 305 instead. I have 29g and I been looking at XP2's, 305's and eheim 2213's. The rated filtration in terms of gph for canisters isn't as accurate as the companies that make them say, plus you must take into consideration that loading it with media will slow it down. Stocking with fish and waste build up will slow filtration down even more. Therefore a 40g rated filter turns out to be just enough for your 29g and not so much "overfiltering".

 

[sic0198]

You can over filter a tank?

 

[Colin_T]

You cannot over-filter a tank. The worst you can do is have a filter that produces too much water movement in the tank. This can be reduced by changing the position of the outlet pipe.
The 205 will be fine on your tank but if you go for the bigger filter you can use it on a bigger tank if you decide to get one sometime in the future.

 

[rabbut]

Fluvals have a better than adverage warrently period, 2 years I think rather than the standord 1, but they also have a habit of dumping water onto the floor just outside of warrenty Fluval parts are the only ones stocked by my place of work, as they are the only ones that sell. I'm sure thats not a good thing . We get a bust filter back about once a month under warrenty for repair/replacement also, and considering we only sell around 10-20 a month the failure rates are worrying

Renas are better functionality wise, less prone to clogging, chaneling and are easier to prime IMO. Their main seals aren't the best though, and have a habit of failing after maintanance...Overall, better than Fluval IMO but still not the best...

Eheim are the most recomended on here, but avoid the Ecco range and thermo versions form any brand. Both have issues. If you have the cash, Eheim would probibly be, in most peoples opinion, the best option, though I have never had much success with them..

If you are on a budget, Tetratec (UK, Canada, some parts of Europe and New Zeland) are the best bet. The EX700 would suit admirably They can be bought online for about £60 dlivered with everything needed to run.

Not well up on Eheims models. PM Bastables for a recomendation on a model suited to your tank

HTH
Rabbut

 

[sic0198]

Today I bought a Cascade 700 Canister Filter, did I buy a good one?