Quiet HOB for 55g Fresh

[WhistlingBadger]

Hi, kids!

I've been using a biowheel 350 for the past couple of years, and my fish and I are satisfied with the water quality. But it is fairly noisy. I would like to replace it with an affordable HOB of equivalent power and capacity, but without the grindy noise.

I've done a whole half hour of google searching, to no avail, so I turn to my friends, the experts at the aquarium forum. You all are more interesting than google, anyway.

Here's the setup, in case you're wondering: 55g, moderately densely planted; 1 red tail shark, 4 ottos, 3 golden algae eaters, 1 siamese algae eater, 6 turquoise rainbows, 5 dennison barbs, 2 firemouths. Lovely. And noisy.

Thanks!

Tom

[MCHRKiller]

AquaClear 110 would be my choice for your tank. I have also heard good things about the Rena. Have you considered a canister filter? That is about the only way to get a truly dead quiet filter.

[WhistlingBadger]

Thanks, Killer. I'll look into those. I have indeed thought about going with a canister. I hear they're the best, but two things hold me back: The unknown, and the cost. The latter is the big thing. Better stick with what's affordable for now.

[KingFisher]

I used to run two AC70s on my 55g and it seemed perfect to me.

[MCHRKiller]

Actually SunSun/AquaTop make some very affordable yet quality canisters. You could probably find one for not much more than a good HOB. Here is a SunSun 304...it is a beast of a filter.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SunSun-HW-30...item1e6f5fe2aa

[WhistlingBadger]

I think I'll keep my eyes out for a good deal on an AC 110. The Rena HOBs only go "up to 55 gallons," as far as I can find. Canisters are a little more than I can put into the tank right now, but hm...it might be worth it in the long run. And the complete silence wouldn't hurt my feelings.

Thanks again, as always!

T

[jeffs99dime]

If you are going to do a canister, Eheim is my choice. Hands down the best quality, more expensive yes, but well worth the extra cost IMO. I've had several over the years and zero problems. they are super quiet as well.