What is the best filter?

[suztor]

What is the best aquatic filter?

I currently use a tetra repto filter but I'm coming to realize that i'm going to have to upgrade for my new tank. I'm not opposed to building my own. I also would like able to build a filter out of a 'picnic' cooler to help with temperature control. (as i'm noticing my FBN in 45o-50o water seems much happier, I have him in a cooler and i switch out ice packs 3 times a day).


What i'm wondering is, what are suggestions for making an effective, easy and inexpensive to maintain Filter/Cooling system.

Do I use bio balls? Is there a tank size to 'bucket' size ratio? do I have to worry about it over flowing or getting pumped dry? what filter media do I use?

I also need to consider a slower flow rate as to not create too much of a heavy current for my FBNs (or is that something that works more in the output of the water.

I'm building a 3d bg and this is something i should probably take into consideration in the construction.

I apologize for posting something almost every other day for the last week (lol) but I have tons of questions as this new hobby is quite captivating and I love to learn all the nitty gritty of it!

 

[cichlidjedi]

Hi Suztor,

I also used the Tetra Whisper in-take filters and they worked ok at first, but clogged up a bunch from debris, plants and snails so I went old school again and back to sponge filters and air pumps. Back filters don't work for me except on tanks I can fill up about three quarters of the way up for species like Spanish ribbed, paddle tails and axolotl types. Canister filters are nice, but are a pain to clean by opening them up and carrying them to the sink every month. The main issue is all the filtration above you are not able to regulate temperature with them. So the best way I would use now in the summer is a sump style set-up were you could add things into the filter to help regulate cooling down of the aquarium. I never thought of your idea of using a cooler for a filter but it should be fine, but there are some issues you need to worry about:

1) Make sure if your power goes off that the cooler will be able to hold the water that is drained from your tank until it goes below your drain. Easy way is to unplug the pump your using to push water into your tank and see how much water it will let drain into the cooler. If it almost overfills try and get a bigger cooler or raise up the drain inside your tank so it's not as far down inside the habitat, that will allow lees water to drain down.

2) I would purchase a filter sock they make 4-8" sizes even some bigger, and run your drain tube to your cooler back into the sock to mechanically clean the water of debris.

3) For biological you could use bio balls, but personally just hook up a sponge filter in your sump and run an air tube to an air pump and let that be your biological media.

4) Also use carbon in a filter sock and set it in your sump/cooler and change it out once a month. It's nice mechanical filtration and keeps the water clear and free of that fishy/pondish smell.

5) Your cooling the water idea with ice packs and ice cubes works great, but however make sure you stay constant with that temperature as best as you can because if your water temp stays around say 50/10 degrees fahrenheit/celsius if you forget to put ice and your packs in for a few days the temp could raise up and could cause stress to your animals. My animals have had 5-10 degree changes in temps almost instantly through water changes some times at the most but nothing more extreme than that. Maybe another member could add if major temp swings are deadly or not, but I would try and avoid it.

Good luck with your filter endeavor and may your newts bring you much happiness!