Equipment Review and Discussion :: decently priced filter

[KatieSmeltzer]

I'm picking up my new 50 gallon tank on Tuesday, and they seller said it comes with a filter. I do not know what type of filter it is yet, but I'm probably going to get a new one. What are some brands that are good quality, but decently priced? I know that to get a good, long-lasting one, I need to spend some bucks. But right now, finances are at a minimum (being Christmas-time and all). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[rsour24]

id suggest a rena xp3. it would work great in a 50 gallon and you can still use it when you upgrade. i have one on a 65 but i could easily use on probably up to a 90 gallon if i only have my turtle in the tank. for just fish i think its rated for 175 gallon. i think i got mine for 100$. or you could probaby get away with a smaller cainster like a rena xp2, but if u upgrade u might have to go filter shopping again. fluval is another good brand, but unless u are going ot get a fx5 id go with rena filters

[VeipaCray]

+1 for the xp3 or xp4. Bang for the buck the Rena filters are hard to beat. The fx5 is 2.5x the price of a xp3 when you figure in the cost of media to fill it.

The fluval 405 is nice also, but more expensive than the Rena filters.

[KatieSmeltzer]

thanks guys! i'm going to pick up the tank and stand today. (*yay*) but i won't be able to set it up til this weekend (payday is thursday). i'm excited to set it up and "decorate" it. maybe i'll even get some sand for this tank.

[jenhowd]

I'm having good luck with the cheapo brand off ebay, SunSun/Perfect. I just bought my second to add to a bigger tank. It was $58 delivered for a 250gph canister filter with three media baskets and ALL necessary media! The first has been going continuously for almost eight months with no problems.

[ErikP]

Agreed. Got a Sunsun HW302 off ebay for a song. 1000L/h, and very quiet.