Recommended filters?

[harliquinnraver]

Due to the addition of 2 new axies, ive had to upgrade my tank recently and now have a 40 gallon 'breeder' tank (36"x18", its actually larger than it sounds and makes my 55gallon tropical tank seem small!)
im definitely in the market for a new filter as my current one is small and not terribly effective.

im in the US if that makes a difference. are there any good strong filters that allow you to control the flow of water out? i dont want too much current to stress my axolotls. ive had submersible filters and hang-on-back filters and those seem to produce a fair amount of current...would a canister filter be better? any recommendations?

 

[lea]

i have a canister filter and i cant complain.....it does a wonderful job and you can adjust it so the current isnt very strong.......

 

[harliquinnraver]

i have a canister filter and i cant complain.....it does a wonderful job and you can adjust it so the current isnt very strong.......

do you happen to know if Fluval canisters are adjustable?

 

[Jennewt]

Yes, Fluval canisters do have an adjustment for water flow rate.

The other type of filter I would recommend is the Tetra 40i filter. Here is a photo of a 40-breeder tank with axolotls and the Tetra 40i filter. I put some rocks in front of it to break up the water flow.

 

[harliquinnraver]

Yes, Fluval canisters do have an adjustment for water flow rate.

The other type of filter I would recommend is the Tetra 40i filter. Here is a photo of a 40-breeder tank with axolotls and the Tetra 40i filter. I put some rocks in front of it to break up the water flow.

oh good! i found a used Fluval for sale for $50 and im tempted to go pick it up...

i have a slightly smaller version of that filter in my betta tank! hmm ill put that on my list of filters to price next week. thanks!

 

[Mac Myers]

Zoo Med 501 is a favorite of Shannon and I have one too. Has a spray bar so current isn't a problem. It works well. :happy:

 

[Anubis]

Any other filter suggestions? I'm trying to get a tank together before I go hunting for my little buddy .

 

[cellowithgills]

I've got a Marineland Penguin 350 on my 40b. I put it on the left side of the tank and it keeps most of the flow on one side, and my axies go where ever the want.

 

[Biscuit Oliva]

Fluval all the way in my opinion they are cheap and last the longest with inexpensive replacement parts.The submersable ones are awesome im using 2 right now.They now have a sort of spray bar that lowers the flow considerably you can even adjust the position of the out put i recommend pointing it towards the top of the water so to keep a good flow so the water sit still.I recommend the U series its pretty awesome.

 

[Mac Myers]

The heat generated by an internal filter could be a consideration for Axolotls. I have a Repticlear 350 than can be run with the powerhead out of the water. With the powerhead submerged it heats my 55 Gallon tank 2° F.

 

[JWERNER]

For such a application NOTHING beats a air driven sponge.

Cheap, reliable, produces a very low current, and does a good job at bio filtration and mechanical.

I stay away from any Hagan products except for the Elite line of sponge filters. I never have luck with any Fluval. Those things are junk and way over priced. The cheap Aquaclear line of HOBs with the clear plastic is even worse yet. The plastic they use is as brittle as my grand mothers hip.


Whisper products dont live up to the name and are the loudest filters I have encountered and I always have impeller problems.

If you wanna get a large filter that is actually cheap and reliable I would consider a Magnum 350. Its cheap and probably the most durable/reliable canister out there and is very basic in design with quick release valves that have flow rate adjusters on them. Since cansiters dont do a good job at biofiltration you can mod it easily to fit lots of mechanical media like filter floss or slipping a block of poret foam over the inner shaft.

I would suggest a canister over a HOB. You can easily cut out small holes in a screen top to fit the intake and return so animals dont escape. You dont really have that ability with a hang on back and you can also mod the return to create a waterfall feature for terrastrial or semi aquatic animals.

But all in all I say get a sponge.

 

[ted22]

I personally use 2 eheim aquaballs one at either end (i have same size tank as you just full to the top!) and cant complain always have crystal clear water and they were only £20 each (you can mix and match media and add more filter baskets) it also oxygenates the water with its venturi thingy! also can control and direct water flow in any which way you please! To be honest just one of the 2208 models would do your tank fine bear in mind adding the extra filter baskets adds quite abit of height to the filter and it might make it abit big for the height of your tank!

They also seem to have relitively low wattage which means it chucks out very little heat (not even noticeable with my thermometer)!

Great little filters if you're goin down the internal route! Also very good value for money!