Help! Which Canister?

[talldutchie]

Amelia, go for the sunsun. You need that turnover for peace of mind.

As to mattenfilter. Here's the theory: http://www.janrigter.nl/mattenfilter/
Back in the late 70s-mid 80s they were extremely popular over here. I remember one guy who had 2 meters of stunning discus (quite an achievement back then) tank and the whole backwall of the tank was one massive mattenfilter.

[dizzydezzy]

Yep, I would go for a sunsun. Or two smaller sunsuns (http://www.trademe.co.nz/pets-animal...-565007573.htm) - works out cheaper, and without the UV... that's the one I have.

Also, my sunsun is really quiet, too.

Edit: Also, check out www.hollywoodfishfarm.co.nz - they stock a few brands of HOBs, and they sell water changers as well. They ship equipment country-wide.

[talldutchie]

Why take a saw to that tank?

[genocidex]

i missed alot of the posts above, but ime you do get what you pay for. just something to think about. maybe save up to get a RENA... itll last years more than the budget ones...

[jaysee]

i missed alot of the posts above, but ime you do get what you pay for. just something to think about. maybe save up to get a RENA... itll last years more than the budget ones...

of the 5 brands of canisters i have, the fluvals are the only ones that have given me any trouble Not to be argumentative, but which did you have and how long did your budget filters last?

[4Mike]

You might consider building your own power filter. I built a system that resembles a LifeGard. Very easy and very cheap. The one I built was built for a very large water volume (Silent Giant chemical pump) I plumed it to under the house in the crawl space. Built a large Styrofoam box over. I had three very large pvc pipes with screw on tops and pressure valve. Of course you can choose any size. I ran floss in one chamber, Chemi pure in one and I can't remember the last? maybe charco sacks. Thread the water to the top of first tube (floss) and out the bottom then up to the top of next and out the bottom and so on. I also built like a chamber that you could slide the filter material out. Very cheap and very effective. I would valve the pump to control water flow and I can't remember but you might need to vent it. Good Luck
Mike

[Cliff]

You might consider building your own power filter. I built a system that resembles a LifeGard. Very easy and very cheap. The one I built was built for a very large water volume (Silent Giant chemical pump) I plumed it to under the house in the crawl space. Built a large Styrofoam box over. I had three very large pvc pipes with screw on tops and pressure valve. Of course you can choose any size. I ran floss in one chamber, Chemi pure in one and I can't remember the last? maybe charco sacks. Thread the water to the top of first tube (floss) and out the bottom then up to the top of next and out the bottom and so on. I also built like a chamber that you could slide the filter material out. Very cheap and very effective. I would valve the pump to control water flow and I can't remember but you might need to vent it. Good Luck
Mike

Mike, without any biological filteration, you would have some serious water quality problems

[4Mike]

Yes but I believe the floss acted like a
bio filter. I cleaned it under salt water and replaced it to the same system. I also put plastic faucets on the bottom of each tube to let the water out so I could service the chambers. Eventually moved everything to garage for easier service. left the pump under house. Of course, my wife had a fit when I drilled holes through the floor in house for the pipes. :) I valved the pump and the unwanted flow I directed back to the tank for water movement in the tank.

[4Mike]

I can't remember but I might have put in a reverse flow under the substrata also. First installed a grid of drilled PVC, next a crate like plastic. then a fiberglass screen (window screen), then substrata. Suspend heavy deco. with pvc posts so there are no dead spots. Controlled waterflow just until the gravel boiled. Won't work for many types of aquarium life, but under certain conditions a great Bio Filter

[4Mike]

The large pump had enough water for everything I needed in the tank and sump. I put the Styrofoam vented box over the pump so loud noise was reduced (pump was under our bedroom)
Double layer the box with foam and vented for the heat. I also had a smaller Silent Giant next to sump for a back-up. put sensors on top and bottom of sump to control every thing in case of emergency.