[callistra]

I am looking for new filter suggestions for 5 10 and 6.6 gallon tanks. In the past with my bettas I have only used sponge filters but the azoo kind I got from drs.foster moved. So little air it became a breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria. I tried an elite which was REALLY noisy and finally the original mainstream ones with a diffuser. I was really happy with the mist but the filter literally vibrated so hard I could feel the tank shaking when I touched it :/

I think I am looking at either an hob filter with extra sponge on the end or an intank filter (which I have no experience with) as they.are super quiet and appear to create less.current. my goal is as quiet and little current as possible. My bettas hate all current.

 

[Geomancer]

Well, you're already on the right track. People have posted (and I think there is a sticky) on a way to make a baffle for the outflow of the filter on HOBs. HOBs may, or may not, be silent. There is lots of variability even within the same brand. I find they are much quieter if the tank is full (above the outflow) but since it creates very little surface agitation if you don't have live plants, you may still want a bubbler (and those air pumps are anything but quiet in my opinion).

I've heard good things about the Aquaclear brand, but I don't know if you'll find one smaller than a 10g.

 

[callistra]

Thank you that answered a lot of questions and the sponge baffle was what I was thinking of doing with my hob. Now only question is.. what hob filters do people.suggest for low noise? Thinking of getting a tetra whisper as I like their air pumps the best

 

[callistra]

Aquaclear 20 for 5g...ok for 10g too or get the30?

After reading up on aquaclear I'm sold and my local store carries them too

 

[kfryman]

I would suggest the Aquaclear 20 for the ten, maybe even the six. It has adjustable flow, so a baffle may not be necessary depending on the placement and length of your bettas fins. I have the 30 for my 15 gallon and I love it, it comes with 3 different filtration methods, two of the three shouldn't even need replacing for a while. The carbon is not necessary and can be subbed with something else, ir comes with a sponge, pouris rock, and the carbon.

For the 5 gallon, Azoo makes a nice one, I forgot what it is called, but it is on Amazon. The filter is recommended for 3.5 but with bettas they need lower flow, it will ne fine for the 5 though. That filter is also adjustable.

 

[tiffanini]

I agree, my new AquaClear 20 is doing pretty well on my 20 gallon fish tank. So I don't think you need to get an AquaClear 20 for a 10 gallon. My filter is pretty quiet compared to some filters, and you shouldn't expect there to be absolutely no noise. Mine just makes a trickling noise with a humming noise.

 

[mzxeternal]

I personally love the Aqueon Quietflow 10s. They're nearly silent, afford ably priced and filter up to 20 gallons. Excellent for a 10 gallon. I actually use 2 of them on my 14 gallon since my tank is heavily stocked.

 

[Bombalurina]

I have the Fluval U1 and the Fluval U2 (both Hagen Internal filters) running on my 16 gallon. The U1 would do well in your tank, I suspect, although they are relatively bulky. Absolutely silent, though. I have them in my bedroom and I honestly can't hear them even with my ear above the tank (open top). They do have a violent flow, but they are easy to baffle. A coke bottle cut in half vertically and fixed in front of the outflow (which is adjustable) works well. I'm using the triangle insert from a breeder box.

I have much love for my Fluvals.

 

[tiffanini]

I personally love the Aqueon Quietflow 10s. They're nearly silent, afford ably priced and filter up to 20 gallons. Excellent for a 10 gallon. I actually use 2 of them on my 14 gallon since my tank is heavily stocked.

My friend has an Aqueon Quietflow and I have to disagree with you because you have to replace the the filter cartridge every few weeks, unlike the AquaClear. Therefore you have to pay more money in the long run for the filter and additional filter cartridges. Unfortunately, that filter also killed a couple of her goldfish over the years (by sucking them against the filter sucking thing).

 

[mzxeternal]

My friend has an Aqueon Quietflow and I have to disagree with you because you have to replace the the filter cartridge every few weeks, unlike the AquaClear. Therefore you have to pay more money in the long run for the filter and additional filter cartridges. Unfortunately, that filter killed a couple of her goldfish over the years too.

Not me, I can usually stretch 2 months per filter with no issues, I swap each one every other month. The important thing is simply cleaning the filter pad in the old tank water during water changes.

Essentially I have 2x Mechanical and Biological filtration, and 1x chemical.

I'm actually going to stop using the filter pads soon in one, and switch to a custom cut ammonia removing pad instead.

 

[Hopeseeker]

I've been looking into this filter for a 15 gallon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SJOLEQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Anybody know about this filter?

 

[tiffanini]

Not me, I can usually stretch 2 months per filter with no issues, I swap each one every other month. The important thing is simply cleaning the filter pad in the old tank water during water changes.

Essentially I have 2x Mechanical and Biological filtration, and 1x chemical.

I'm actually going to stop using the filter pads soon in one, and switch to a custom cut ammonia removing pad instead.

'Stretching' is not the same as cleaning your tank at full efficiency. Even if you look at the prices of the filters, the AquaClear is better. You could get a quietflow for $14 and you would have to pay $9+ for a 6 pack of filter cartidges that would theoretically last 1 year. What happens if you have fish for longer than a year? Then you end up having to pay more for the same gph. BTW, I'm comparing 1 AquaClear 20 to1 Aqueon Quietflow 10 (and I know you have two). The Aquaclear also comes with an adjustable flow, too (which is nice for the betta tails). Not only that, throwing cartridges away is bad for the environment.

 

[mzxeternal]

'Stretching' is not the same as cleaning your tank at full efficiency. Even if you look at the prices of the filters, the AquaClear is better. You could get a quietflow for $14 and you would have to pay $9+ for a 6 pack of filter cartidges that would theoretically last 1 year. What happens if you have fish for longer than a year? Then you end up having to pay more for the same gph. BTW, I'm comparing 1 AquaClear 20 to1 Aqueon Quietflow 10 (and I know you have two). The Aquaclear also comes with an adjustable flow, too (which is nice for the betta tails). Not only that, throwing cartridges away is bad for the environment.

Actually, it's not stretching. There's a school of debate on the need for chemical filtration, with that in mind I don't need to worry about maintaining chemical on both... as my water parameters have been consistently excellent with or without.

Ultimately, the 1 month replacement is a guideline, but not a necessity. The chemical within the pad only lasts about 2 weeks anyway.

My cost on 2 has been about $15 every six months, no big deal.

 

[tiffanini]

I've been looking into this filter for a 15 gallon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SJOLEQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Anybody know about this filter?

I've never had that filter before, but I know that Fluval is a pretty good company for fish products. That power filter is a bit on the pricey range considering it only pumps 119 gph, but then again, it says it has "5 stages of filtration". Don't use the carbon because you're not going to need it on a regular basis.

"Media Replacement Fluval Poly/Foam: Replace poly/foam every 4-6 weeks.

Biological C-Nodes: Replace half the quantity every 6 months. Never replace all c-nodes at once.

Activated Carbon Insert: Replace Activated Carbon every 2-4 weeks.

Bio-Screen: Replace Bio Screen every 2-3 months.

Motor O-Ring: Replace once a year to prevent leaking."

This wouldn't be my first choice as a filter, but if you are willing to replace this stuff on a regular basis, go for it. just be aware it's going to cost you a lot in the long run.

 

[Hopeseeker]

I've never had that filter before, but I know that Fluval is a pretty good company for fish products. That power filter is a bit on the pricey range considering it only pumps 119 gph, but then again, it says it has "5 stages of filtration". Don't use the carbon because you're not going to need it on a regular basis.

"Media Replacement Fluval Poly/Foam: Replace poly/foam every 4-6 weeks.

Biological C-Nodes: Replace half the quantity every 6 months. Never replace all c-nodes at once.

Activated Carbon Insert: Replace Activated Carbon every 2-4 weeks.

Bio-Screen: Replace Bio Screen every 2-3 months.

Motor O-Ring: Replace once a year to prevent leaking."

This wouldn't be my first choice as a filter, but if you are willing to replace this stuff on a regular basis, go for it. just be aware it's going to cost you a lot in the long run.

What filter would you recommend for 15 gallon sorority? I want to start planning all the stuff that I have to purchase.

 

[Bombalurina]

"Media Replacement Fluval Poly/Foam: Replace poly/foam every 4-6 weeks.

Biological C-Nodes: Replace half the quantity every 6 months. Never replace all c-nodes at once.

Activated Carbon Insert: Replace Activated Carbon every 2-4 weeks.

Bio-Screen: Replace Bio Screen every 2-3 months.

Motor O-Ring: Replace once a year to prevent leaking."

I'd only replace the carbon and the O ring as suggested. The rest don't need changing til they fall apart. Them suggesting that is basically just money-making.

For a 15 gallon sorority, I really can't go past my Fluval U2. It cleans my 16 gal efficiently and silently, and fish can't get sucked into it.

 

[Hopeseeker]

I'd only replace the carbon and the O ring as suggested. The rest don't need changing til they fall apart. Them suggesting that is basically just money-making.

For a 15 gallon sorority, I really can't go past my Fluval U2. It cleans my 16 gal efficiently and silently, and fish can't get sucked into it.

The one that I was looking at is a fluval u2, but is the external one...so my next question: Internal filter vs external filter? Pros and Cons?

 

[mzxeternal]

The one that I was looking at is a fluval u2, but is the external one...so my next question: Internal filter vs external filter? Pros and Cons?

Con for an external, or Hang on Back (HOB) filter, none really except for using space on the back of your tank, and possibly requiring a modification to your hood if it doesn't already have the space for it. Other con would be if you're breeding, fish fry can be sucked into the intake without some kind of barrier (like pantyhose or a sponge).

Cons for an internal or in the tank filter, is they take up space within the tank, and you have to reach into the tank to clean them and replace filter media, which you don't have to do with HOB filters. Also undergravel filters which don't really take up noticeable space, are known to clog and fail. The pro would be if you're breeding, a in tank sponge filter would be the best choice.

Best bet for filtration in general is a HOB filter for most freshwater aquariums.

 

[Hopeseeker]

Con for an external, or Hang on Back (HOB) filter, none really except for using space on the back of your tank, and possibly requiring a modification to your hood if it doesn't already have the space for it. Other con would be if you're breeding, fish fry can be sucked into the intake without some kind of barrier (like pantyhose or a sponge).

Cons for an internal or in the tank filter, is they take up space within the tank, and you have to reach into the tank to clean them and replace filter media, which you don't have to do with HOB filters. Also undergravel filters which don't really take up noticeable space, are known to clog and fail. The pro would be if you're breeding, a in tank sponge filter would be the best choice.

Best bet for filtration in general is a HOB filter for most freshwater aquariums.

Thank You!!! Any suggestions on good brands for a 15 gallon aquarium?

 

[mzxeternal]

Thank You!!! Any suggestions on good brands for a 15 gallon aquarium?

All-Glass Aquarium/Aqueon are fine for smaller tanks under 30 gallons, though the bigger tanks are so-so. They're a pretty common brand that's sold everywhere.