A little advice please. - Freshwater wet/dry advise

[mathias]

I have a 55 gal fresh water tank but going to upgrade to 150 or so.... but I got some extra cash now....


I need the best wet/dry filter.... for freshwater. if it helps the fish are going to be 2 oscars and 3 chiclids. and no plants.


this is what I found so far Eheim 2229
http://superfishstore.com/waterworld...roducts_id=813


but I also see magnum and fluval as good brands but I want some reviews or opinions before I make a purchase because I really trust everyone on this site so josh and jim? lol no I trust everyone help this newbie out...

J - added description to subject

[mathias]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...tegory_id=2885

[REEFAHOLIC]

I used a Eheim 2028 on a 100g planted tank. Gave me no problems, very quiet. The only thing is it wasn't the easiest thing to clean. Kind of messy. :|

[mathias]

So pretty much go Eheim over fluval? or whats better filtration in a freshwater tank?

[Henry]

go Eheim, you won't regret it.

[Ram_Puppy]

I agree, I like Eheim, Fluval is ok, and I have to say, after almost 10 years my magnum 350 is still kicking like a 20 year old.

Maybe this will help:

When I ran my 55 planted tank with an arrowana (that was getting to big for his home) I ran two magnum 350's. Loaded the media cannister with 50/50 carbon and amonia absorbing mix, and had their returns through the bio-wheels. For a while I also ran Emperor 400's, but found that having a grand total of 4 bio-wheels operating on my system out-gassed to much of my precious C02. If you are not going to be injecting CO2 and growing plants, then you don't need to worry about that.

Oscars are messy fish, so I would say err on the side of caution, buy more filter than you think you need. And make sure it is EASILY accessible. You will be cleaning the sucker so often you don't want to provide any excuse not to touch it.

Also, what type of 55 gallon do you have? Mine was a show tank, and very rapidly my arrowana outgrew the front to back length, it became difficult for him to turn around, oscars are not nearly as nimble as an arrowana so if you have not bought yet, I would encourage you to find a 'thicker' design, especially if your going to aquascape with lots of plants, wood, and rocks. I made the mistake of assuming I would be financially capable of upgrading my arrowana's home by the time he got there, my fiancee (at the time) and her engagement ring/wedding band / wedding, honeymoon had different plans. Make this upgrade or new purchase for your oscar the last one you have to make, and get an appropriate sized tank for him/her. (Not saying your 55 won't work... Just that I don't think mine would have.)

[dan]

you should go with a standerd wet/dry just because of easy maintance. if your going to do big fish your going to need a huge bio load. in order to get that you need lots of airiation. your not going to get that with a canister filter. i've done freah water fish and for me a wet/dry was a must. since your not doing plants your CO2 is going to be high with a canister

[Ram_Puppy]

Dan, the Eheim he is looking at is a Wet-Dry Canister, I think it drains and fills a seperate chamber, but I could be wrong... I think without going 100% wetdry, the bio-wheel is about the best invention out there for fresh water.

[mathias]

I have a old whisper 60 with two bio wheels and a fluval 104 on this 55gal tank now..... but Im going to upgrade to a larger tank really soon 30 days time..... and fish load is 2 oscars and 3 chiclids..... really pretty fish and they get a long very well.....