Filter selection (descriptions are confusing)

[Bruce's Reformed Nephew]

Greetings! I am getting closer to the point where I will be ordering most of my equipment. Previously mentioned background: I will be getting a 29 gallon (us) tank (30x12x18 inches). After a hopefully brief fishless cycle with some borrowed gravel I will be adding six zebra danios. Once I am satisfied that conditions are remaining stable I will add six cardinal tetras and two dwarf gouramis. I may add more tetras and danios if everthing remains stable. There will be no live plants in this tank.

I understand that 10 gallons per hour per gallon of water is a good guideline for a power filter. My candidate is an Emperor 280, as I like the idea of the extra oxygenation provided by the biowheel. It is stated that a 280 will support up to a 55 gallon tank. I might also consider an Aquaclear 300. It is stated that it can support a tank of up to 100 gallons using the same gph flow rate. Does this mean that the Aquaclear is a more efficient filter?

I have also been reading that people like their cannister filters. I would consider a Fluval MSF 204, which has a flow rate of 180 gph and a max tank size of 40 gallons. As people seem to love their Eheims, I would also consider stretching the budget (not too badly) and getting a 2213, which has a flow rate of 116 gph and a max tank size of 65 gallons. Is the Eheim that much more efficient than the Fluval, or are one company's numbers too high?

If I used either cannister filter, would my dissolved oxygen be adequate?

Am I correct in assuming that one of the above cannister filters will provide better filtration than the above power filters?

Any opinions or ideas are very welcome!

Thanks for your time!
-BRN

 

[Bangin]

I cannot answer all of your questions, but I will comment on the canister filters.

I've read that Fluvals are not good canister filters, and that Eheims are excellent. Of course, there's certainly a gap in prices. I use the Rena XP3, which is another option for canister filters, and I'm happy with its performance.

I've read that Fluvals are loud and easily broken. When I went to the LFS to purchase my canister filter, I planned on getting an Eheim. The owner recommended against getting the Eheim, because customers had returned there's after the handle broke. He recommended the Rena XP3.

Yes, canister filters are much better than power filters.

 

[Sky042]

I think the eheim is pricey due to their name. The difference in money I don't think makes up for the difference in quality.

for your tank the emperor 280 would be good or if it'll fit across the top a penguin 330 would be great too. They're all available very reasonalbly online.

 

[Fishstix]

I just purchased an Aquaclear 300 (now called Aquaclear 70) for my 29 gallon. The water is sparkling clear and i like the way you can choose your own filter media. I'm using what came with it at the moment- 1 sponge,1 carbon insert and 1 Bio-Max insert. The filter is very quiet as well. I ordered mine from Drs. Foster & Smith online for a great price. I don't think you need a canister for a tank that size.

 

[Sky042]

I just purchased an Aquaclear 300 (now called Aquaclear 70) for my 29 gallon. The water is sparkling clear and i like the way you can choose your own filter media. I'm using what came with it at the moment- 1 sponge,1 carbon insert and 1 Bio-Max insert. The filter is very quiet as well. I ordered mine from Drs. Foster & Smith online for a great price. I don't think you need a canister for a tank that size.

DR F&S I still think is expensive. Though not as bad as buying retail.

 

[Fishstix]

Well,the Aquaclears are on sale right now and that was the best price i found. It came in 4 days as well. Can't beat that.

 

[Bruce's Reformed Nephew]

Thanks very much for all your help!

According to a nice email I got from All Glass, a Penguin 330 won't easily fit in my chosen hood.

In summary (from what I have read here), an Aquaclear 300 or Emperor 280 will do a more than adequate job for my 29 gallon setup.

Fluvals and Eheim eccos are cheaply made and therefore they should be avoided. Filstars and Eheim classics are great, but probably overkill for my setup.

Thanks again!
-BRN