Recommendations for Mechanical Filter System

[RacinRabit]

I am going to upgrade my existing mechanical/biological filter (a Whisper 3) on a 55 FWLR tank. I am considering a canister system to go along with the Aqua C protein skimmer for the tank. Any recommendations? I was looking at the FilStar cannister filter but I am open to suggestions if any of you have experience with cannisters. I need something that is self-priming. Thanks! :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

FWIW:

I use crushed oyster shells. but probably a lot more volumn than in canister filters.

I currently use a 6"x6"x6" acrylic DIY filter box with a partition down the center. The water flows down 6" on one side, then up 3" on the other into the sump. With landscape lava rocks on the intank on outlet and the oyster shells between. The entire system with a year's worth of filter media cost ~$20 plus the pump and HOB overflow.


Hope to replace that with a fluidized bed type filter made from 4" pvc. That way the overflow and flood possibility will be eliminated. And it will be easier to clean the filter media.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

How about an Eheim, or a Fluval. The fluvals have been revamped and are supposedly a much better product than their previous offerings.

 

[RacinRabit]

Eheim was the other brand of cartridge system I have been considering. No experience with it either. Anyone out there with expertise who can comment?? 8O

 

[Anonymous]

I have used a penn plax cascade canister for the past 2 years. I love it. The fluvals still have problems as i was at lfs other day and someone was returning another one...the store guy was laughing , saying sarcastically "fluvals never have problems..."
Whispers are kinda weak.
The cascade is easy to clean/dismantle, self primes after cleaning, and runs so quiet i have checked to see if it is running.
I have the cascade 1000. It only comes iwht layer of floss, you will need to get more upon purchase.

 

[SnowManSnow]

If your gonna do mechanical filtration in addition to skimming make sure you change your filters VERY regularly. Most will even say you dont have to do the mechanical filtration stuff if you have good LR and a decent skimmer.
:lol:

B.

 

[RacinRabit]

I think I have the skimmer part taken care of. The mechanical is for going the extra mile for the tank inhabitants. The LR in the tank is pretty good. I am a stickler for keeping up with maintenance on hardware for tanks.