Best Filter for a 20 gallon under $20

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by AquariumFanatic, Jun 30, 2011.

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  1. AquariumFanatic

    AquariumFanatic Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2011
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    Location:
    Michigan
    I'm looking for the best filter for under $20 for my 20 gallon fish setup. I have an extra Emperor 400 lying around I tried using in the tank, but it's way to powerful, the poor fish were being pulled in circles from the strong current. I like shopping at Petmountain and I saw this the Penguin 150B for $19.98 and I can get six filters for $10. If I get a couple of decor I'm sure I can get the total up to $50 and use the free shipping coupon. What do you guys think? Is this my best option? I currently only have 3 goldfish in there, and I'm planning to add maybe a crab, so this tank is very light. Is this particular model fairly quiet? I will fill the water high so I don't have to hear the water splash. Thanks everyone!:)
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2011
    AquariumFanatic, Jun 30, 2011
    AquariumFanatic, Jun 30, 2011
    #1

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  2. Tmobo

    Tmobo T-Rev

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Saint Charles, MO
    I would say an Aquaclear 30. May not be under $20 but under $30.
     
    Tmobo, Jun 30, 2011
    Tmobo, Jun 30, 2011
    #2
  3. jeff@zina.com

    jeff@zina.com Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2010
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    Location:
    Naples, Florida
    $20 worth of live rock.

    Jeff


    Text mangled by iPhone spell check...
     
    jeff@zina.com, Jul 1, 2011
    jeff@zina.com, Jul 1, 2011
    #3
  4. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    Dont try to save money on a filter, you will probably regret it in the end. Save money on other supplies. A good filter is VERY important.
     
    JJL, Jul 1, 2011
    JJL, Jul 1, 2011
    #4
  5. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Illinois
    This appears to be a freshwater tank so I doubt they want live rock.


    Shouldn't this be posted in the freshwater forum?
     
    insanespain, Jul 1, 2011
    insanespain, Jul 1, 2011
    #5
  6. Reef Madness

    Reef Madness Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    May 17, 2011
    Messages:
    121
    You could also try a sponge filter, if you had an HOB laying around you might have an air pump also? I have recently switched to using these in my FW tanks and LOVE them. They are not the best for mechanical filtration, but are beast for bio filtration. You would have to do regular water changes this way, but you should do them either way that you go. Just another option.

    Aquarium Sponge Filter; ATI Hydrosponge Bio Filters and Replacement Sponges.
    I would go with the PRO series.
     
    Reef Madness, Jul 1, 2011
    Reef Madness, Jul 1, 2011
    #6

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  7. Tbass3574

    Tbass3574 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
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    Even if it is not under 20$ i'd go with an aquaclear, its a good brand and if or more like when you convert to saltwater you can convert it to a fuge!
     
    Tbass3574, Jul 1, 2011
    Tbass3574, Jul 1, 2011
    #7
  8. AquariumFanatic

    AquariumFanatic Astrea Snail

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Alright I'm going to order an Aquaclear tonight, should I go with the aquaclear 30 or 50? I only have 3 goldfish and a crab in the tank so I'm not sure which one to get. There is only a $2 difference, but I don't want the current to be strong.
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2011
    AquariumFanatic, Jul 5, 2011
    AquariumFanatic, Jul 5, 2011
    #8
  9. DRM

    DRM Astrea Snail

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    Location:
    North Carolina
    +1 on the aquaclear
     
    DRM, Jul 5, 2011
    DRM, Jul 5, 2011
    #9
  10. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Melbourne FL
    I have An aqua 30. its quiet as can be but sometimes it doesnt wanna start back up after its unplugged ( i have to hit the impeller with something to kick it )
     
    SnooknRedz, Jul 5, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Jul 5, 2011
    #10
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