Which Canister Filter does everyone use around here?

[Bur01014]

So I have a dilemma. I have two AC70s on my 55 gallon....however, they are on their last leg due to abuse from sand. Both propeller things seem to stop randomly and get jammed, so I often find one filter not working and the motor extremely hot. I think have to kind of help it start up again by hand and then hurry and put it back on the tank. Instead of buying new HOBs, do canister filters have less maintenance and problems with sand? I would like a good size one for a 55 gallon, and also one that doesn't require a whole lot of maintenance (cleaning, etc.). What are your guys opinions? One of the AC70s still works great, it is mostly the other, so i could do a combo, one AC and one canister, what does everyone recommend? Sorry for all the random, questions....

P.S. budget it limited, grad. student...

[rich311k]

You can get new impellers for your filters. Shorter intakes will help keep the sand out as would a prefilter.

I use Renas, Eheim Classic and Marineland canisters. they all do a fine job.

[MCHRKiller]

I would personally remove the sand, it is apparently to light to keep from killing your filters. A heavier larger grain sand or some gravel would be your best options. I love Rena canisters, an XP2 would be an excellent option in combination with your AC70.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I have a Rena and 3 Eheims and I love every one of them. They are all great filters. I personally feel you get more bang for you buck with the Eheim Classic canisters so those are my personal favorites.

[Cristoff]

For the money, look into Cascade brand canisters. The largest, the 1500 series is rated for a 200 gal tank and only sets you back about $150.00. They make several smaller versions as well.

I use the 1500 on my 90 gallon and have ZERO issues with it.

For the money you can't beat it. Not the highest end, but will do the job on a budget!

Here is a link to one [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

I won't promote PetSolutions (although I have used them alot) but it was the quickest link I could find...

[lowlight]

Since you are on a tight budget I would try a prefilter first, like a sponge over the intake. For what its worth I have a Rena Xp3 on my 55 that has been running about 5-6 years now with no problems.

[Oscar_freak12321]

Fluvals are nice. Got all Fluvals on my tanks. :22:

[Crispy]

I use an FX5 here, but not the cheapest. Found mine used for a good price though. They are a real workhorse canister for larger tanks.

[Bur01014]

So I went to petsmart and looked at their canisters.....but I thought it might be beneficial to just try and fix the impellers....however, I didn't see any there for the AC70s.....can I order them online?

[Cliff]

I would like to echo a few suggestions already posted. I have a fluval 405 on my 55 gal and I really like it. Right now my fish are small but when they grow-up a little more, they will have a large bio load so I will be adding the aqua clear filter that came with the tank as a secondary supporting filter.

Although I prefer fluval, the Rena XP2 and 3 are also excellent filters. A friend of mine has a XP3 in a 65 gal tank and she loves it. She had it for 5 years and not a problem.

I’ve never had sand in any of my tanks but if you keep the intake well about the sand you should be fine. Shorten the intake hose if you can, just as Rich311K had suggested

[thatcichlidguy]

As the one guy here who doesn't use the common run of the mill brands , I use a JBL EFU-35 canister. Great filter with lots of media capacity and a built in UV sterilizer. Not as expensive and the above mentioned canisters either. Quiet as a mouse to boot.

The specs:
4 stage filtration with UV built in (5 watt)
250 g.p.h
Rated for up to a 150 gallon tank (though that would be pushing it)
seperate power switch for the UV
35 watt power consumption
similar design to the fluval filter at a fraction of the cost (mine was $145 with shipping) just be sure to order from the manufacturer for the best price.

And this company has great costomer service ,if you leave them a mesage they actually call you back. Mine arrived broken (thanks a lot UPS) and when I talked to the customer support guy he had new unit shipped to me pronto. Best of all I talked to someone here in the states, not some foriegn call center. I know I'm sounding like a salesman here , but it's a heck of a filter at a heck of a price. I don't know why more folks dont use them.

[i_am_511]

Go to or call some of the mom and pop LFS and ask them can they order the parts for you...It would be better to pay the mark up from them then to pay the mark up from some website plus shipping....

Hagen doesnt let you(us) buy parts from them you have to have a dealer/store order from them.

[Northernguy]

I like my xp3 the best,especially for the cost.It is an awesome filter with a ton of room for media.:22:

[lowlight]

Try this link if you can't find a LFS that has the impeller.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[toddnbecka]

You also need to pull out the shafts and check them for wear. If they're thinner in the middle than at the ends they need to be replaced. The impeller/s may be worn out in the center, check if they're more than a hair bigger than the shaft or out-of-round when you look through the middle.

[Bur01014]

Broke down the ac filters.....after cleaning both impellers, I noticed the little silver needle shaft inside motor is bent or not centered on both filters......this from sand? Anyways...did a deep clean and they seem to be working better again....how I go about attaching a prefilter for sand protection that some of u have mentioned?

[Lady Hobbs]

When I replaced the sponge to my AC, I saved it and cut it into squares that I use for pre-filters. You can buy the pre-filters that don't look quite so dumb but for now this works for me. I got tired of my plants getting pulled into the strainers and shredded.

You looked at Pet Smart for canisters? OUCH! You buy stuff like that, check online and you'll find a whole lot better prices.

[lowlight]

I would use one of these [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] and just slip it over the intake tube. The sponges come in different shapes and sizes and the LFS or chain store should have some.

[smaug]

I use rena xp-2 filters.I have one on my planted 58 and 1 on my 55 gal blood parrot tank.Outstanding is the word I would use.

[toddnbecka]

Hydrosponges are too fine, they'll quickly clog and severely slow down the filter flow. I use Marineland Penguin powerhead replacement filters; they only need to be cleaned once weekly in my tanks with live plants.