Filter for Planted Tank

[hydrosparky]

I'm trying to get a new filter for my planted tank. What type of filter should I get so that my plants aren't ripped apart, or my floaters circling like crazy? I have a 29 gal and don't want to spend much on a filter (I am on a budget after all). Would the Fluval C series work? I'm also looking at the Ehiems and the Fluval 400 and 300 series.

[fusiongt]

Fluval C series would work. It's a hang on back filter so it'll make the floating plants basically move out of the way of the current but eventually they'll stay in one place as they bunch up together.

[BBradbury]

Originally Posted by hydrosparky

I'm trying to get a new filter for my planted tank. What type of filter should I get so that my plants aren't ripped apart, or my floaters circling like crazy? I have a 29 gal and don't want to spend much on a filter (I am on a budget after all). Would the Fluval C series work? I'm also looking at the Ehiems and the Fluval 400 and 300 series.

Hello hyd...

A basic Hagen AquaClear 50 would work fine in a 29 G tank. It's not expensive, it will cost about $40.00. It's easy to maintain and will run just about forever. I've had them in my tanks for several years with no problems.

I have a 38 G with two AC 30s and they run great.

B

[WallaceGrover]

I second the aquaclears if you want to go in that direction, just make sure to keep the impeller clean!

[TwoTacoCombo]

Originally Posted by fusiongt

Fluval C series would work. It's a hang on back filter so it'll make the floating plants basically move out of the way of the current but eventually they'll stay in one place as they bunch up together.

As long as the water level is kept high enough. If it drops below the lip of the output, the downward force tends to drag everything into it and then pushes it under.

[Marconis]

Originally Posted by BBradbury

Hello hyd...

A basic Hagen AquaClear 50 would work fine in a 29 G tank. It's not expensive, it will cost about $40.00. It's easy to maintain and will run just about forever. I've had them in my tanks for several years with no problems.

I have a 38 G with two AC 30s and they run great.

B

My only choice for HOB are AquaClear filters. They are super quiet, have a nice large media basket (I use a sponge and a lot of ceramic rings in mine), and do a very good job at filtering. They also last ages.

So, I +1 Bradbury's advice, the AC-50 should be just perfect for a 29G.

[Shanster]

I agree... AquaClear filters are really nice! I would suggest getting a larger size than is suggested on the box especially for a planted tank.

I went with the AquaClear 50 for my 30 gallon tank and it doesn't seem like it will be enough filtration. Amazon is cheaper for this filter than any petstore I've been in and often times you can get the free shipping if you spend $25.

[hydrosparky]

I plan to over stock my tank (both in fish and plants), so the AquaClears still would be suitable, right? I heard that the Fluval C-series are the upgraded versions of the AquaClears, so I may go with them... Any suggestions for canisters though?

[Marconis]

The AquaClear's would definitely still be suitable, it's all preference, really. I never used anything other than an AquaClear, with the exception of a Whisper briefly and a Penguin on one tank.

As for canisters, I highly recommend a Fluval or a Rena Filstar XP. For some reason, I feel like the Filstar XP has been discontinued, as I never see them in stores anymore and they are very limited online. I have always used them, and I loved them to death. They were cheap and had a good amount of room for media...they were quiet as well.

[midlife_hobbyist]

Try Foster and smith they were having a summer sale and i jsut got a AQ 50 for only $25. If you spend $50 you get free shipping...
The positive comments above on AQ I totally agree wtih...

[hydrosparky]

Ahhhh, AQ or C-Series... I'll choose one or the other.

[Elrodg]

Well being budget friendly I used an aquaclear 70 hob. Just installed the eBay special sunsun canister. Not a bad change from the hob if I do say so myself. 60 buck for a filter that is way over rated for my tank.

[sphack]

So, what did you get? I have a Fluval C4 on a 20 gal tank and love it. It turns out my substrate in that tank was pretty light and had to run the C4 at a lower flow.

Just saw that AquaClear provides a year of filters: http://www.petco.com/assets/pdf/Aqua...lterRebate.pdf