[meowschwitz]

Canisters are expensive. HOBs are ugly. What filter should I get for my planted 10? I plan to add fish and shrimp soon, but am waiting until I can get something that can handle the bioload.

 

[ddrfreak_tung]

That leave pretty much internal filters, u can cover it up w plants

 

[meowschwitz]

That's what I have now, but it's got weak flow and probably is too small to hold enough biomedia to keep the tank going in the long run. I'm guessing a canister would be my best choice, but they really are expensive. Are there cheaper models anywhere? And I guess HOBs aren't completely out of the picture. Any suggestions?

 

[TeamTeal]

not all canisters are expensive. you can get a sunsun or equivalent. also a HOB. aquaclear are probably the most popular

 

[somewhatshocked]

Considered a couple double-sponge filters? With the right air pump you'll have tons of flow and solid filtration for a 10gal.

 

[ddrfreak_tung]

If you're a DIY er you could make your own. I've seen so,e pretty good DIY filters

 

[WallaceGrover]

How is a HOB uglier than an internal filter?

 

[BradC]

I would get a AquaClear 30. Just make sure to put a pre-filter on the intake of any filter you choose to get so you dont suck up any shrimp :icon_wink

 

[Danimals]

Don't certain Eheim canisters go for like $50-60? That's not ridiculously expensive and well worth the money imo.

 

[meowschwitz]

Don't certain Eheim canisters go for like $50-60? That's not ridiculously expensive and well worth the money imo.

It is if you're a poor college student.

How much of a difference is there between the Eheim 2211 and 2213?

 

[ddrfreak_tung]

Id do an aquaclear w a background to cover it up.

 

[meowschwitz]

Id do an aquaclear w a background to cover it up.

Which model of aquaclear?

 

[WallaceGrover]

Which model of aquaclear?

You would probably want the Aquaclear 30, it is rated for 10-30 gallons...

 

[raven_wilde]

Aquaclear HOB was my go-to filter for years... it fit the budget and its got generous space for various media, really, you can stuff whatever you want in there.

If you do want to go canister you could try the TOM Rapids Mini Canister. Its not the best canister filter EVAR or anything like that- and it can be annoying to service- but its a good little workhorse and would be more than enough for a ten gallon. I'm running one right now on my 30 gal monster tank just to have an extra volume of bio-media... it does solid work.

 

[sayurasem]

sponge filter is way to go. specially you said your going to have shrimps.

sponge + aerator + tubing = 15 bucks. maybe less

 

[bpb]

I vote for the aquaclear with a solid blue or black background on the tank to hide the filter body. No matter what you're going to have SOMETHING in the water showing. No matter what you're using, an intake will be visible.

 

[firefiend]

Use an HOB and make it pretty... plant some pothos in it and let it vine around your tank rim or lighting fixture. Supplement it with an addition rip plant that has some color.

HOB's for a ten gallon work great and don't need to be "ugly."