What filter is the best?

**bichirfanatic** · 7th Nov 2009, 03:31

Hi all, I've been using all types of filter for fish keeping. Recently, someone just told me to change it to canister instead. They said is more easier to maintain, but too expensive i think. So what are your two cent thought for me? Thanks!

**Desewer** · 7th Nov 2009, 05:26

though i only have a canister filter, for ease of maintenance etc i wish i had a sump filter instead. not IOS, but EOS (external sump). changing of media, water testing, etc is a cinch.

**ct13** · 7th Nov 2009, 09:33

I go for external sump.

**alien54d** · 7th Nov 2009, 12:06

air driven sponge - very nasty, very effective!

**silane** · 7th Nov 2009, 12:36

Originally Posted by bichirfanatic

Hi all, I've been using all types of filter for fish keeping. Recently, someone just told me to change it to canister instead. They said is more easier to maintain, but too expensive i think. So what are your two cent thought for me? Thanks!

It depends on what fish you are keeping, what is the bioload and what type of filtration level you want.

And if you need a "heater". Those filter with powerhead submerge in water will head up the water, which can be a plus for some species and a minus for some like you are adding a fan to cool down water.

**bichirfanatic** · 7th Nov 2009, 13:24

Originally Posted by Desewer

though i only have a canister filter, for ease of maintenance etc i wish i had a sump filter instead. not IOS, but EOS (external sump). changing of media, water testing, etc is a cinch.

EOS? Ok, seems like its not back.

**bichirfanatic** · 7th Nov 2009, 13:25

Originally Posted by silane

It depends on what fish you are keeping, what is the bioload and what type of filtration level you want.

And if you need a "heater". Those filter with powerhead submerge in water will head up the water, which can be a plus for some species and a minus for some like you are adding a fan to cool down water.

Hi, I am keeping bichir, parrot, angel, gar, oscar and IT.

**felix_fx2** · 7th Nov 2009, 13:47

Originally Posted by bichirfanatic

Hi all, I've been using all types of filter for fish keeping. Recently, someone just told me to change it to canister instead. They said is more easier to maintain, but too expensive i think. So what are your two cent thought for me? Thanks!

strongly depends on what fish+tank size and budget you have.

My personal views.
Canister media changing is much easier then internal filter. But OHF does the same minus the filter going through more pressure.

Bro, how much is expensive in your opinion?
MY Atman less then 2 blue note and its for my 3footer, the 2 footer i have using BOYU which less then 3 red note.

**alas** · 7th Nov 2009, 15:56

I personally prefers hang on filter. But I think cannister filters are better.

**stormhawk** · 7th Nov 2009, 22:00

My personal choice, canister filters. I've not tried the other brands yet, but I trust EHEIM completely. However, their cost can be a drawback.

Sponge filters are great too, in small tanks with a single air pump powering it. Drawback - gets dirty fast, and noise from air pump can be annoying at times.

**StanChung** · 8th Nov 2009, 18:32

After some experience of using and observing the popular types of filtration methods because of the demands of the fish, plants and aesthetics these are my thoughts.

Splash from air stone is annoying. Water stains everywhere-even on lights. However, there's some device you can copy to DIY to 'cap' the splashing. Friend bought this nifty device from HK to do night aeration in his planted tank and it looks easy enough to DIY.

HOB filter is a disaster waiting to happen. Power cut and it can't restart on it's own. If you're home asleep, the pump will grind itself and make a screeching noise till you wake up and realise what it is. HOB's IMO are good for nano tanks because it doesn't take up much space in and outside the tank.

Sponge filters are very low capacity filters that are best for breeding tanks so that no fry gets sucked in. That said, the Hamburger Mattenfilter is great for this purpose with a fantastic large BB colonization area since beauty is secondary. [that depends on your DIY skill doesn't it?

]

OHF is best for fish tank with heavy and messy feeders so that you can clean the filter pad easily daily as it's easy access. My discus are more active in these tank than sponge filter only tanks. The sponge get clogged with so much beefheart it becomes some sort of jelly. YUCK!

If you're planning on 100% WC everyday after feeding- you don't even need a filter. Just air stone will do.

Canister filters IMO are the best for planted tanks. Keeps the CO2 in. You should buy one you can transport safely to the toilet easily for cleaning. Unless of course your tank is in the toilet.

Sumps are best for marine tanks because of the great amount media that can be had. It's IMO too troublesome to clean canisters of Calcium and other mysterious deposits.
Sumps are er... too 'ugly'

for planted tanks because of the overflow chamber/s but if you can forgive it or find a way to hide it with design by all means. I've help design one where the overflow chamber is flush all along of the left side and is covered by built in cabinet.
CO2 loss might be a problem but for guys being able to afford a large tank like this it shouldn't be a problem to crank up the CO2 a little.
Sumps are also good for tanks with 'monster fish' fed with live food. Not meant for messy prepared food like beefheart or you will go crazy trying to clean the sump everyday.

UG-Undergravel filters are a dying breed. Not great for cichlid tank because cichlids in general likes to burrow but I think it's good for pleco and loach tanks. I like to layer with small lava rock and 2-3mm or larger gravel. You can even use filter media like pumice stones as base topping.
Some 'shrimpers' like to use UGF's for soil setups but generally not a good idea IMO because of the mess that's going to happen when the soil breaks down.
Undergravel pipes + powerhead IMO is great for large tanks with low stocking levels.
Some rocks are needed to prevent cichlids from digging them out but it works great for most fish species with compatible water chemistry.

These are just my opinions-do enlighten with your own thoughts.
Sorry for long post-

**alien54d** · 8th Nov 2009, 20:04

hi stan, nice read

i guess all filters are good, it only depends on the type of application.

unless of course, if ADA Super Jets are cheaper...i would get for all my tanks.

**yhbae** · 9th Nov 2009, 09:50

I'm a fan of canisters too. I use Eheims for all canisters but HOB filters have their uses too. In some tanks, I use them in addition to canisters which act as backup/additional buffers. HOBs are easier to clean so I almost always do this on dirty tanks with lots of wastes.

And as mentioned above, sponge filters for breeding tanks.

**Shaihulud** · 10th Nov 2009, 21:01

Originally Posted by bichirfanatic

Hi, I am keeping bichir, parrot, angel, gar, oscar and IT.

Big fish all, I would rather a sump filter, you can even put plants in the sump to polish the nitrates which is impossible with cichlids. Personally, I am using an OHF, modular, cheap and it works great too.