Questions about filters.

**skittlebrau** · 01-30-2013, 08:27 PM

So I'm new to keeping aquariums and I currently have a 60 gallon cube (24x24x24) that's cycling. Unfortunately, I didn't know about fishless cycling (wish I had), and we're about a month in with 6 tiger barbs. I have a Marineland penguin 350 on the tank, however, I'd like to upgrade the filter eventually (we're talking probably at least 6 months down the road). I was looking at canister filters and was wondering which brands were recommended and which size would be needed for my tank.
Thanks!

**madagascariensis** · 01-30-2013, 10:33 PM

The are many brands out there, and most of them are good ones. I guess it is like asking
Which car to get, there are so many choices and most ae at the same level. If you we asking about
Hang on back filters, on the other hand, aquaclears stand out, but as far as I know of no canister filter brand really beats the rest in everything. One of the better brands(although correspondingly pricy) would be eheim. Their biofiltration capacity is big and most run very quietly. However their flow rate(and because of that, mechanical filtration) sucks so if you have a not-heavily stocked tank and want crystal clear water then it may not be for you.

**Cliff** · 01-30-2013, 10:37 PM

I like the Rena XP filters. A XP3 or XP4 would do a great job on your tank. Eheim and Fluval also make some really good canister filters as well. I don't think you would go wrong with any of those three brands. Just pick a filter rated for about twice the volumn of your tank

**mizzoutank** · 01-31-2013, 02:24 AM

+1 to both above post's

while you are cycling with fish, and have a low bioload, your current filter is okay...so in the meantime-search amazon, ebay, craigslist for some super deals on a cannister.
i've only had the fluval 306, and i love it.

**Drumachine09** · 01-31-2013, 04:02 AM

In my opinion Fluvals are the best choice for canisters. Removable trays make it super easy to clean, rinse, or sway out media, they run quiet, are fairly inexpensive, and work great.

**homemadepopcorn** · 01-31-2013, 05:08 AM

I adore the two Eheim 2217s I run on my 90g. You probably wouldn't need two unless you plan on keeping particularly dirty fish.

**Goes to 11!** · 01-31-2013, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Cliff

I like the Rena XP filters. A XP3 or XP4 would do a great job on your tank. Eheim and Fluval also make some really good canister filters as well. I don't think you would go wrong with any of those three brands. Just pick a filter rated for about twice the volumn of your tank

+1 to this.

I am an EHEIM fan myself but I also have two Fluvals and agree that you won't go wrong with any of the above provided you filter adequately [2x over] as mentioned.

**Cermet** · 01-31-2013, 12:17 PM

If price is an issue, there are cheaper canisters that have similar performance (but not built as well.) The AquaTop (with built in UV light) is a good unit but very inexpensive as canisters go. They hold a very large volume of bio-media trays.

Do you measure your water parameters, now?

**skittlebrau** · 01-31-2013, 04:43 PM

Thanks for all the advice! I've been checking out amazon for awhile now. My boyfriend and I aren't planning on overstocking, and are going to add fish very slowly when the tank is finished. As far as the water parameters, do you mean pH, nitrites, ammonia, and nitrates? If so, then yes, I check them daily. Everything seems fairly normal for cycling so far, I've read quite a few of the other threads on the subject. Just waiting for the nitrites to drop down to 0 now :)

**skittlebrau** · 01-31-2013, 05:05 PM

Oh also, I've heard Marineland products were decent and had parts that were easily replaced. Fact or fiction? Or is this just the norm with all filters really?