02-18-2007, 01:03 AM
Okay, let me chime in again, this time about Canister Filters.
They are wonderful, efficient, and powerful filters BUT it really depends on the type of person you are. If you enjoy spending a lot of time doing maintenance, then canister filters are great. You can pack them with more and different types of filter media, etc.
The biggest concern is that they are a pain in the arse to change. You have to stop them, disconnect, restart etc...
Compare that to pulling out a filter cart or two (weekly), rinsing in a sink and/or replacing it your filter with a new one (monthly).
Canister filter, 10 to 15 minutes plus minimum.
Outside Power Filter (or Eclipse), 1 or 2 minutes tops including the walk to the sink.
As others have said, if you want something fancy and modern looking like the Bow front at a lower cost check out the Eclipse. Nice clean look, good filtration, and they work.
Also most of MacMagnus posts were dead right on Target. That Bio Spira Live Bacteria is great but expensive but it jump starts your tank a few weeks into the future.
If you can't find that try Stess Zyme, Cycle, TLC or other Bacterial supplements to help speed along the Nitrogen Cycle and establish your tank. Water tests are critical the first month or two.
They are wonderful, efficient, and powerful filters BUT it really depends on the type of person you are. If you enjoy spending a lot of time doing maintenance, then canister filters are great. You can pack them with more and different types of filter media, etc.
The biggest concern is that they are a pain in the arse to change. You have to stop them, disconnect, restart etc...
Compare that to pulling out a filter cart or two (weekly), rinsing in a sink and/or replacing it your filter with a new one (monthly).
Canister filter, 10 to 15 minutes plus minimum.
Outside Power Filter (or Eclipse), 1 or 2 minutes tops including the walk to the sink.
As others have said, if you want something fancy and modern looking like the Bow front at a lower cost check out the Eclipse. Nice clean look, good filtration, and they work.
Also most of MacMagnus posts were dead right on Target. That Bio Spira Live Bacteria is great but expensive but it jump starts your tank a few weeks into the future.
If you can't find that try Stess Zyme, Cycle, TLC or other Bacterial supplements to help speed along the Nitrogen Cycle and establish your tank. Water tests are critical the first month or two.