recommend me a filter (5g tank)

[801]

heres my tank...

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its 5 gallons, and i need a filtration system. as you can see, i'm going to use sand for substrate.

i was told earlier to get a Whisper 10i ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]). when i went to the store to have a look, it was really big. too big for my small little tank. i liked the filter, but it would just look terribly bulky in my tank. then i saw on the shelf a Whisper 3i ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]). now the size of that is a much more nicer fit for me! but... will that be good enough to filter my tank properly?

another thing... i like that the Whisper 10i doesnt need an air pump. i'd rather go with that kind of filter. do they come in smaller sizes? if not, should i just use the 3i?

are there any other brands/models that you guys can recommend for me?

thanks :22:
-801

[kimmers318]

The only filters I have used for smaller tanks like that are either built into the hood, or the fluval submersible ones. The downside to the submersibles is that they take up space in the tank. Hopefully someone with a similar set up will have some ideas for you.

[Fishguy2727]

I woudln't use the Whisper internals if you will be using sand, way too likely to pull up sand and burn out the motor. Try a very small HOB if it will work with your hood. That way you can shorten the intake pipe to keep it away from the substrate.

[Sasquatch]

An Aquaclear Mini (aka Aquaclear 20) should be perfect for your aquarium and provide more than enough filtration. It also has adjustable flow, so you should be able to set it so it doesn't stir up the sand too much.

Alternately, a sponge or corner filter that works with an air pump should be good enough for your tanks. Not as good as a power filter like an Aquaclear or a Whisper, but it'll do the job.

[cocoa_pleco]

I found a perfect little gem for a tank like that. The brand is azoo, and its some japanese filter. Its about baseball sized, and it is one of the HOB filters. It has sponges only, but i used in in a 2.5g, and it worked perfect, and now its in my 10g, and the waters perfectly clear for my kribs.
I also tried a aquaclear at first, way too big.
Its perfect for fry also. The slits in the intake are soooo small only a piece of paper can fit in it.

[minabird]

I use a Whisper 5-15 gal HOB filter for my 5 gal bow. It has an adjustable flow rate. It didn't come with the bio filter pad like the larger ones have, but they sell them with the replacement carbon-filter pads. I also buy the replacement filters that do not have the carbon preinstalled inside the filter; I just use the filter. Now I've got all this extra carbon packets with no use for them all.

[Incredulous_Ed]

I use those hob filters in my 5 gallon tank. They work great

[801]

errm.... can someone please tell me what HOB stands for?

thanks :14:

[cocoa_pleco]

HOB is short for hang-on-back, like an aquaclear that has the hose going down and it shoots out like a waterfall on top.

[801]

ahhh, ok thanks.
i dont think that will work for me though. because my lid completely covers the tank, execpt for a 1 inch hole at the front for feeding (and a few cutouts in the back for heater and airtubes.) i'll probably have to go with an internal. that azoo might be hard to find around my area. are there other brands/models to look for?

[cocoa_pleco]

try the submersible stingray filters for 5g. Theyre really cheap. 8 bucks for a 5g one. I used one in my 20 hex tank

[801]

ahh thank you :)
i will go have a look for them this weekend
hopefully my PetSmart keeps them in stock

[cocoa_pleco]

they should have them

[801]

my PetSmart doesnt carry them :(
and neither does PetCo.

i'll have to try the LFS when i have time.

i've read a couple reviews though, which were mostly negative.
they said the slots get clogged easily.
how has your experience been with this filter?

[Drumachine09]

There are alot of other REALLY great small filters out there. I am kinda looking into getting another small tank myself. Prolly betta and cory cats. But i would buy the set that already has the fither and such with it.

[cocoa_pleco]

I havent had much trouble with mine, and had it for like 3 years now. It was when a MAJOR fish store closed and EVERYTHING was 50-90% off, so I spent like 2 paychecks buying like 3 canister filters, 30 fish, like 20 packs of medicine, decor, and a few tanks.


Otherwise, try a small submersible fluval maybe??? MY lfs has em for 20 bucks for a small one and I use one for my toads, and the models from the 90's ( '92 i'd say), and it works still and they have great reviews

[Drumachine09]

I havent had much trouble with mine, and had it for like 3 years now. It was when a MAJOR fish store closed and EVERYTHING was 50-90% off, so I spent like 2 paychecks buying like 3 canister filters, 30 fish, like 20 packs of medicine, decor, and a few tanks.


Otherwise, try a small submersible fluval maybe??? MY lfs has em for 20 bucks for a small one and I use one for my toads, and the models from the 90's ( '92 i'd say), and it works still and they have great reviews

you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lucky

[cocoa_pleco]

I know. I was buying all these exotic fish for 65% off, and got 400$ canister filters for 150 and sold em later. And all the meds I bought I still have a bit.
My favorite fish I got cheap was the african leaf fish, the one that acts like a dead leaf then attacks its prey.
I also got a wild angel that was super beautiful.