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ive been reading through all the threads but I couldn't really find an answer to my question. I am currently about to upgrade my filter. I would like to know which should I get for a 50 gallon tank, should I get a waterfall or a canister..... I am leaning towards a canister filter, however I don't have a big budget right after buying the tank and other stuff.... about how much would an AVERAGE canister filter cost

I have a canister and I love it. The xp3. I have had it for umm, 4 months maybe and have not changed the media, just rinsed real good with some of the aquarium water. It's quiet and it keeps the water clean. It's a bit pricey, but well worth the investment.

With a good canister, you'll be able to use it when you upgrade your tank.

I've been using the XP3 for several months now. It is well worth the investment. As marisa said you won't have to upgrade your filter later on when you have to upgrade your tank if you get a decent canister filter now.

I decided to go with a canister for my 60 gallon. I ordered the XP2. Get it online or at a store that'll price match. That'll save you about $30.
From most of the fish sites I read (researching this same question), they suggest using a canister for tanks larger than 40 gallons.

ok Ive got a 50 gallon right now. but I will only fill it out 75% full. And all of these waterfall filters I see will not reach the water line and they will burn out, are there any orther options besides waterfalls or canister that are good for turts?

If the water line doesn't reach the intake for any filter, it will burn out the motor. That goes for canisters too.

The nice thing about the xp3 (and possibly other canister filters) is that they don't have to be reprimed if the power goes out. With my old waterfall filter it had to be reprimed if the power was cut for any reason. If you aren't home the power goes, it could be dead by the time you get home.

For the AquaClear 110, also a "waterfall filter", you can buy extension tubes for the intake. However, if your filter is that high above the water line, you will get a very noisy and splashy filter (however there is a DIY fix).

Do the canister (XP3)! Like Spookster said, it's a good investment.

steve wrote:For the AquaClear 110, also a "waterfall filter", you can buy extension tubes for the intake. However, if your filter is that high above the water line, you will get a very noisy and splashy filter (however there is a DIY fix).

DIY? Does that mean Do It Yourself, and If so, where can I look into that. Thanks!

I think this is similar to what Steve is talking about
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3940

Here are some pics for the Aquaclear:
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1405

Missi, I couldn't tell from the Petco link if either DIY method would work. I really hate when a site offers a larger picture and it turns out to be the same size as the original!

Shows how much attention I paid, I didn't even realize there was another link. I just remember that those posts had been around not to long ago.

I have a 55 gal tank with a waterfall filter & am constantly having to add water to the tank so it isn't loud.

Thanks for all the suggestions about the canister filters. I will check that out when I upgrade my tank this year.