Looking to buy a filter

[gargleknobs]

I have a new 5 gallon tank coming in the mail within the next two days. I'm shopping for filters right now, and I want to know what I should get if I want to cycle my tank. I have absolutely no knowledge of filters, and while I would prefer to stay on the less expensive end of the spectrum, I don't want to buy a cheap piece of crap.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Kwomais]

I got this one
http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-A285-Mar.../dp/B0032G8TPW
and love it! The flow is totally adjustable, it's SILENT (Alpha's tank is in my room so that was a must), and it's really cheap! It also comes with a prefilter sponge on the intake which makes it great for bettas and also for my little shrimpies. And it's really well, slim! I have 2inches of clearance behind my tank and the filter fits there. It's about the size of an average toothpaste box for width & length; height-wise, I'd say it's about 6inches? idk, I'm not good at guesstimating size lol. It comes with a goldfish bag & a tropical fish (carbon) bag that can be replaced with the Tetra Whisper small biobags, and/or you can put filter sponge in there to colonize your BB. Oh! And the intake is adjustable inside t he tank so you can raise or lower it according to your tank size. And if you have/sign up for the 1 month trial of Amazon Prime, you get free shipping!

As you can probably tell, I reeeeeeeeeally like this filter. I went through about 4 filters before I got this one which I kept.

[bimbetty]

Fluval

[gargleknobs]

I was actually looking into buying the Marina one. Now I will! Thank you. :)

[Kwomais]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[pittipuppylove]

I second the Slim s10 - it's great little filter. I currently have three and they work very well, but I don't use the filter media it comes with without removing the carbon and whatever else they put in there and replacing it with filter floss.
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[Kwomais]

I just replaced my cartridge with sponges and use it as a biofilter :)

[aokashi]

is it true the motor sits inside the water?

[Kwomais]

Yes, but I've had no problems with it. I inspected it for any signs of damage/manufacturers' defect before I put it in the water because I was a little skeptical. In the end, I thought, if a submersible heater is safe, this has to be safe. I was a little concerned that vibrations might bug my boy but it vibrates waaaaaay less than the airpump I had on his tank for his Whisper 3i before that.

[aokashi]

Thanks :) my main problem is lack of space XD
Ive always had a hugggge dislike for airpumps too...