Looking to invest in a bigger filter for my 30g tank: suggestions?

[Scy64]

Right now, I've got just the basic Whisper 30 in there. Came with the tank setup. Because my fish are messy, I'd like to invest in a filter that's a little bigger. I've seen a few for 20-40g tanks, and a slightly more expensive one for 30-60g. I'm just wondering what everyone's experiances are with different kinds of filters and brands, before I buy anything. I'd like to pay no more then $40, but if it's worth it, I'd consider going slightly higher.

[Alin10123]

Originally Posted by Scy64

Right now, I've got just the basic Whisper 30 in there. Came with the tank setup. Because my fish are messy, I'd like to invest in a filter that's a little bigger. I've seen a few for 20-40g tanks, and a slightly more expensive one for 30-60g. I'm just wondering what everyone's experiances are with different kinds of filters and brands, before I buy anything. I'd like to pay no more then $40, but if it's worth it, I'd consider going slightly higher.

For my 29 gallon i used the one that came in the walmart kit for the 29 gallon tank. It's simple yet easy to use. The one that comes in their 55 gallon kit is just basically 2 of the 29 gallon ones put together. They even use the same filter cartridge, the bigger one just uses 2 at a time.

My 55 gallon on the other hand uses a Magnum 350. It's pretty powerful and highly recommended by many on here. How many gallons is your tank? You mention a whisper 30, so i'm going to assume that's maybe for a 30 gallon tank, the magnum 350 may be a little overkill for your tank. If your fish are messy, are you referring to them pooping a lot? Even if you have a more powerful filter, the poop will eventually turn into nitrates. If nitrates are constantly high in the tank, you'll either have to be doing tons of water changes every 2 weeks, or your fish will stress out. I'd say you're probably overstocked.

How big is your tank and what's in it?

[Scy64]

Water changes really aren't the problem, I've constantly got water sitting out to go in the tank to replace old water. One of my biggest issues is actually plant material: my fish like to eat the plants, and peices of it get stuck in the filter. I'm not sure if it's because the filter is weaking or what, but I've heard others recommend a bigger filter. I'm more then willing to change it as nessicary (I do that currently), but I'm hoping that it might get more water filtered in a shorter period of time, and help reduce the problem.

[Alin10123]

Originally Posted by Scy64

Water changes really aren't the problem, I've constantly got water sitting out to go in the tank to replace old water. One of my biggest issues is actually plant material: my fish like to eat the plants, and peices of it get stuck in the filter. I'm not sure if it's because the filter is weaking or what, but I've heard others recommend a bigger filter. I'm more then willing to change it as nessicary (I do that currently), but I'm hoping that it might get more water filtered in a shorter period of time, and help reduce the problem.

I dont really think more filters would help the problems persay. You need to get the rotting plant leaves out of the tank. Otherwise when they start to rot they will produce a lot of ammonia. True your nitrifying bacteria will take care of the ammonia. But the rotten leaves will foul up your water.
I recommend a few Malaysian trumpet snails. They will usually eat leaves that are broken off of plants and will take care of any uneaten food.

But be careful though, otherwise you could start with 2 and end up with 200. lol

[emc7]

I like the HOT magnum for smaller tanks, but I agree that a faster flow won't solve the problem of dead leaves, they will just get stuck to filter intake faster and block the flow.