filter broke, buying a new one

slojko

what would you guys recommend for a 55gall?

Geomancer

I like canisters best, they offer the most flexibility, but are also the most expensive. I'm indifferent to brands personally, but I know most praise Eheim as the best, as they are the oldest company in the filter business. Other options are Rena and Fluval, in that order.

If you want a HOB, an Aquaclear 60 is your best bet.

Geomancer

Forgot to mention, keep your filter media wet, and use it in the new filter. That will help prevent a mini-cycle.

Romad

Are you looking at HOB filters? I'm a pretty big fan of Aquaclear because they're silent and work pretty well IMO.

I'd got with the AQ70 for a 55 gallon.

slojko

im thinking of getting a eheim, i saw one at the petstore and it looked pretty nice, i cant use HOB because i have an acrylic top with holes in the center.

i was cleaning out my filter media when i broke the filter, should i still use it?

Romad

Even better choice. Chances are that your bacteria has died off without an ammonia source and lack of oxygen. I'd still put it into the new filter along with the new medium since it won't hurt and could possiblly help. Hard to say without testing the water after a day or so.

Absntmind

I'm using a Fluval 406 on a 55 gallon and don't have any complaints.

slojko

how long can my tank stay healthy without a filter?

im probably going to pick it up tomorrow

Geomancer

A day should be okay, but do a water change when you get the new filter.

Additional concerns than just water quality is water movement, stagnant water will form temperature gradients, where parts of the tank are cooler than others. If you do not have an airstone or live plants then oxygen can be a concern also.