Tropical Fish Tanks & Filters

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 11, 2017

Hello - Any Fish People Out There???

My Penn Plax Canister filter broke down last week and I've been researching new possibilities.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Although the Penn Plax treated us well for 9 years, I was curious as to what others were using.

I have a 55 gallon tank with 3 Iridescent Sharks, Otis soon to be 26 years and two others Handsome & Pretty Boy both 17 years.

Thanks for your input. Hope

kittykat2017 · Feb 12, 2017

my brother is a fish lover i would have to ask him, he has had fish since high school before and after the military and between college, i'll see what he has to say

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 13, 2017

Thanks @KittyKat2017 - I'm still researching.

In the lead is Hydor - last on my list is Fluval and if I must order online, I'll get what I have now Penn Plax.

Fluval is okay but it doesn't come with a spray bar.

I really didn't want to order online, it seems that the canisters are fragile for shipping, plus the Penn Plax isn't as available anymore for parts.

Thanks again.

Freedom · Feb 13, 2017

I LOVED the Sunsun 4 stage canister filter with UV light and spray bar. I set that up in all 3 of my tanks (when I kept fish). There is a switch to turn the UV light off when you don't want to use it. Spray bar included. You can search around and find a good price on ebay; or look on Amazon.

You know there are also fish forums? They have lots of helpful info. There are large forums which have sectons for freshwater, and marine. Then there are smaller forums which specialize in one or the other. And there is also a forum specifically for bettas! I belonged to these:

http://www.fishforums.net/

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/

http://www.bettafish.com/forum.php

I am a huge fan of online forums, I belong to so many. You can find one for your car (make and model) and get great info from others on tires, things you can do yourself to save money, lots of things. And there is a DIY forum for home projects which really has been terrific for me, as well!

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 13, 2017

Freedom said:
I LOVED the Sunsun 4 stage canister filter with UV light and spray bar. I set that up in all 3 of my tanks (when I kept fish). There is a switch to turn the UV light off when you don't want to use it. Spray bar included. You can search around and find a good price on ebay; or look on Amazon.

You know there are also fish forums? They have lots of helpful info. There are large forums which have sectons for freshwater, and marine. Then there are smaller forums which specialize in one or the other. And there is also a forum specifically for bettas! I belonged to these:

http://www.fishforums.net/

http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/

http://www.bettafish.com/forum.php

I am a huge fan of online forums, I belong to so many. You can find one for your car (make and model) and get great info from others on tires, things you can do yourself to save money, lots of things. And there is a DIY forum for home projects which really has been terrific for me, as well!

Thanks, I just started researching the Sunsun. I'm limited on space under the tank cabinet, so I really wanted to see them in person, but it looks like I may have to order online. AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! LOL

I can't believe I'm in NYC and there are no stores selling anything other than Fluval, it's so frustrating. You'd think the greatest city in the world would have more to offer.

I did join fishlore and monsterfishkeeping, but there's so much information I was getting overwhelmed. I figured I'd do more research then ask questions.

Thanks, I'll check out those sites.

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 13, 2017

@Freedom - Is the Sunsun quiet. My living room is very small and that's a big part of my decision. Thanks again.

Freedom · Feb 14, 2017

YES! The Sunset is quiet. I had 3 running in the Family Room, where the TV was located, and no trouble hearing the shows. Didn't even have to raise the volume. They really are a terrific filter.

I forgot to mention, they come with different flow rates depending on what sort of fish you have and how much turnover you need. I think I had the 404B.

OH! If you do get one, here is a tip from one of the forums: getting the trays in and out can be awkward. Use some vaseline, rub it on the outside of the tray especially the corners. This will not harm your fish or biofilter, and it makes the trays so easy to pull out when you need them out.

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 14, 2017

Freedom said:
YES! The Sunset is quiet. I had 3 running in the Family Room, where the TV was located, and no trouble hearing the shows. Didn't even have to raise the volume. They really are a terrific filter.

I forgot to mention, they come with different flow rates depending on what sort of fish you have and how much turnover you need. I think I had the 404B.

OH! If you do get one, here is a tip from one of the forums: getting the trays in and out can be awkward. Use some vaseline, rub it on the outside of the tray especially the corners. This will not harm your fish or biofilter, and it makes the trays so easy to pull out when you need them out.

I'm still deciding, but I'm researching the Sunsun more carefully now.

Thanks for your input, it's greatly appreciated.

I need to make a decision soon. I need to get the "Cat TV" up and running for when I get new kitties. lol

Draco · Feb 14, 2017

Have you tried Manhattan Reefs? Or is that Salt water only? Not sure if they have a FW section as well. I haven't been there yet, but want to make a trip out!

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 14, 2017

Draco · Feb 14, 2017

that's awesome! got any clearer photos of the sharks?

yea i am not always on Fishlore, I just needed to get some confirmation and I saw your post, lol. wanted to say hi!

2Cats4everLoved · Feb 14, 2017

Draco said:
that's awesome! got any clearer photos of the sharks?

yea i am not always on Fishlore, I just needed to get some confirmation and I saw your post, lol. wanted to say hi!

I know I have some old ones. But they're like cats and dogs. If they see me coming or near, they go crazy, expecting food or a bit of conversation. LOL

I could be sitting on the sofa and my husband could be chatting away, and they won't move, but as soon as I say something, they know the vibration of my voice and go crazy. I guess it's the frequency. LOL

The tank is cloudy because of lack of filtration, but I'll get some soon.

I'm torn between the Sunsun and the Hydor. It's going to come down to size. Both sound terrific.

Thanks again Draco.

Anne · Feb 14, 2017

Thanks, @2Cats4everLoved Glad you like it here!

Tropical Fish Tanks & Filters

2Cats4everLoved

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kittykat2017

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Freedom

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Freedom

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Draco

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Draco

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Anne

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