So I'm looking for a new filter!

Kelso

Is this one any good? It looks promising.

http://www.petco.com/product/2402/Ma...FishFC_Filters

I need the up to 30 gallon one, and is the price good as well?

Romad

They're not bad filters but IMO the Aqua Clear work better. The filter cartridge inserts in the bio wheel' filters that I had literally fell apart when I would try to rinse them in tank water. With the Aqua Clears, you have the sponge, charcoal bag and bio-medium in a basket that's easily removable and rinsable when doing water changes. Another plus for the Aqua Clear is that the extention tubes for the intake are easily found so that you can have the intake closer to the substrate. And one final thumbs up for Aqua Clear - they are very quiet.

Good luck whatever you decide.

jmlampert23

i agree with romad i was just going to suggest the AquaClear filters. they are much better than the marineland biowheel. here is a link to the AquaClear filter on petco's website

Aquarium Power Filters: Aqua Clear Aquarium Power Filters at PETCO

Kelso

I took a look at the aquaclear...same price and it looks better and I have your word to back it up. Now I have a 28 gallon in which I keep an amazon puffer, and somewhere down the road, I will be getting a second one. Should I get the model that pumps 30 or 50 gph? Could the over-filtration harm my plants? I have an umbrella plant, tropical fern, Amazon Sword, which is having daughter plants right now, and a temple plant...whats your thoughts?

Angel079

Having such a little tank, I'd go with a sponge filter, which is the best for under 55g IMO, such as this one (your local LFS will carry them too)
Foam Aquarium Biological Filters: Oxygen Plus Bio-Filter 3 & 5

Byron

The most important thing about the filter is that it be suitable for the aquarium in terms of the inhabitants.

In a planted tank, you do not want excessive water movement which is detrimental to plant growth (as I've explained in other threads). You also need to consider the needs of the fish; forest fish require quiet water, as little movement as possible for most of them. Fish from flowing streams need a bit of current to feel safe and be less stressed. Then there is the matter of bio load; the filter must handle the fish load, and this is more critical in non-planted tanks where there are no plants to filter the water.

The filter recommended for a particular size tank is not the important criteria if the way the filter works does not suit the fish.

Byron.