Filtration

[discusdude970]

The time has come. Some time this month, with the help of my tax return, i will be the proud owner of 6 happy little discus. (for the first time:). In my great search to find good deals on the internet i came across a website that has magnum 350 pro canistern filters fot $100! The problem i am limited to 100 dollars to spent, and i still need lights for the tank. I found some lights on another web site, a 48" twin tube t-5 fixture for $39.90! So here's my question, in your opinion is a h.o.t. magnum (250 gph) good enough for a 55 gal tank, or should i go with the 350 and spend more than i want to?

[tpl*co]

Go to flamingoworld.com there is a $15 off a 75 dollar order link. They have magnums and a magnum pro under $100. Also if there are any problems they are great for returns.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444178 2202&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030549&bmUID=1110911007631

[tpl*co]

Here's a link for the coupons

http://www.flamingoworld.com/pets

[tpl*co]

Here's the pro

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444178 2164&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030549&bmUID=1110911648624

[Don_Lee]

Hmmmm.........have you considered using a sponge filter with an air pump? If the appearance does not bother you, that may be a good economical answer. I would tend to think the 350 might be a bit small for a 50 gallon, I would go bigger if you choose an external filter. Check out Dr. Fosters and Smith for some good prices, ThatFishPlace too.

Don

[Cosmo]

BigAl's has great prices of Eheim's that include media for less than most others sell the empty cannisters :) You can get a decent eheim echo for under $100 ready to run :) If you get the 350 pro w/ the dual bio wheel you'd probably be ok on the 55..
Jim

[kaceyo]

Personaly I don't think canister filters are a good choice mainly because they are hard to work with. They are labor intensive which makes it too easy to put off doing reguler maintenance. Power filters or even sponge filters alone are more economical and easier to keep clean. You could buy everything you need for the $100 that way too.

[Eddie]

I guess it's all a personal preference thing. I've used powerfilters since I was 10 years old and always had luck. I now use powerfilters with additional basic sponge filters and I'm so pleased with the efficiency of my tanks. They are so easy to clean also. ;)

[Moon]

I use sponge filters in all my tanks from 29 to 125g. They provide good biological filtration. Mechanical is done during WCs. Works out much more economical for 25 tanks.

[RyanH]

Here is what I would do:

AquaClear 70 31.99
Hydro Sponge V 9.99 (at the most)
Tetratec airpump 10.99
shipping appx. 8.00

total: 61.00

There is plenty left for a Versa-Top or whatever you want to cover your tank with and maybe even an extra fish or two. :)

www.petsolutions.com
www.bigalsonline.com

hth!
-Ryan

[lldewe]

Aquaclear 300 (same as the 70) is $24.98 at Petco.com and if you spend at least $45 you get 20% off for 1st time buyer discount. I bought 2 of them and including tax, shipping, the works cost me $48 and change !! I have one running my 46 gal bowfront and it has more than enough power!

Also http://www.current-usa.com/ has Satellite lights which even include moonlights for really inexpensive...

Lorie