20G long needs a new quiet filter. Ideas?

[TheSmJ]

To make a long story short, I'm sick and tired of my 20g long's current HOB filter. It's a cheap "Whisper" brand, and next to my 29G's HOT Mag. and my water cooled computer it's the loudest thing in the room by a wide margin. Not to mention I need to replace the impeller every 6 months to a year, which I'm getting real tired of doing.

Is there an appropriately sized cannister filter I can use for this size tank that someone could recommend? The HOT Mag is the smallest cannister I have ever seen, and even it needs a spraybar to keep it from blowing around all my DPs.

[yunachin]

Cascade 500, for aquariums up to 30 gallons. Extremely quiet.

[jake_vdb]

Eheim Ecco 2232
or
Zoo Med 501

I've never used the Zoo Med, but our local planted tank club sells them in a kit with a rimless tank, I know tons of people are using them and love them. They can't be beat for the price. link

[smudger72]

I have an Ecco 2232 and it is superb.
Very quiet and I have just added it to my snail breeding tank because of the nasty cloudy water
It's cleared it in less than a day.

[TheSmJ]

Thanks all for the input. For a while I wasn't sure they even made cannister filters that small.

I just checked at my LFS and it looks like I have $45 in store credit amassed from bringing in my plant clippings. I'll see about special ordering the Zoo Med, but I may splurge on the Eheim instead (since everyone seems to love their products so much).

[TheSmJ]

Out of curiosity, has anyone heard anything about the Hagen Fluval 105 filters? This is the brand my LFS carries and from what I understand they are well liked.

Depending on opinions I may just pick one up later today.

[Agnate]

Fluval is a good brand. Often times, people compete over whether Fluval or Eheim is better. Usually these canisters come with a spray bar, if you're concerned about that. I would suggest looking around at local ads to see if someone is trying to get rid of one that's used. I mean, you can pay full price if you want, but I like to be cheap and thrifty! ^_^

Also, if you're thinking that you'll eventually upgrade the tank or something, you might consider getting a larger one (like a 205 or 305) so you can make more use of it in the future. A 305 is a bit more expensive than the 105, but a 205 isn't all that much more.

[puffyd]

I have couple fluval canisters and they work great...i brought my canisters on ebay...it's cheaper on ebay too...lfs r to expensive....

[TheSmJ]

Just checked eBay and it seems Fluval filters are going for the same price as my LFS. Besides, I already have over $50 in store credit with them thanks to my planted tank which needs frequent trimmings...

[Agnate]

I wish one of my local stores would give out store credits for stuff.