External Aquarium Filters

I bought a smaller tank which I'm going to set up. I'm still looking for a good external canister filter that can do a a good filtration job at a reasonable price.

Personally I was thinking about purchasing a  Fluval or Eheim  aquarium filter. My tank is not really big,  just 15 gallons and I'm planning the purchase of  a 30 gallon one within a year.

Because  I will be housing an Oranda, I don't want to set the water in motion. As you know these fish hate current.  I've been using a sponge filter for the quarantine.

What capacity Canister Filter would you suggest for this tank that can also be used for the 30 gallon one I'm planning.

Thanks.

Answer

In this case I don't think a canister is what you need. With a thank the size you are talking about a canister will inevitably produce a fairly strong water flow, and that's what you say you don't want.  And a tank your size, doesn't really need a canister either.

You're better off going with a clip on filter, and I highly reccomend the Aqua Clear lines.  I'd get an Aqua Clear 50 for a 30 gallon tank, and an Aqua Clear 20 for a 15 gallon set up.   These filters will cycle through the tank capacity in excess of 4 times an hour, and not create such a strong flow your fish have to fight to swim. In addition to giving you the needed surface area for your beneficial bacteria to grow.

If however you insist on a canister I should go for the smallest Fluval Filter.

All the best