Filter or powerhead for a 5G

[dbleoh7]

Right now my filter for my 5 gallon tank is a whisper one that is pretty basic (came with my 5 gallon minibow tank 2 years ago). The tank has too many dead spots and i want some extra water flow since my microsword is getting covered with algae in those spots. so, does anyone recommend a certain powerhead or filter that would work well? preferably one that is available in chain stores and not too hard to find.

Thanks

[Avalon]

You could either buy another one and run two, or you could modify your media just a bit since it slows the flow considerably. Remove your existing media for a bit to see if the flow would be adequate. Find a piece of foam that would be suitable to use and cut it out and stick it in the place of the old one. If not, you might check out an Aquaclear mini and beyond that, anything but the Whisper. I've used the filter you're currently using and I agree with you that the flow rate is poor.

[TabMorte]

Aquaclear minis (AKA the Aquaclear 20) is a nice little filter, I've used it on a 3G and all the way up to a 10G with a lot of success. I recommend not using the carbon it comes with though, instead get more sponge or more biomax. Both let the water through better and I find are better filters. Save the carbon for when you need to filter out medicines.

[dbleoh7]

so today i went and got a fluval 1 internal filter before i saw the replies. let it run for about 10 minutes and i am going to take it back. it has really weak water flow and plus it's an internal filter and takes up space in my already small 5 gallon tank. will be picking up the aquaclear 20 when i take it back.

[Lotus]

I'm not a big fan of internal filters. I think a slightly better brand of HOB filter should work well for you.

[dbleoh7]

today i returned the fluval internal filter for an aquaclear 20. it was really loud i thought. sooooo i will be taking that back tomorrow. i am having bad luck with filters. i think i might just order a powerhead that puts out around 100 gph since we don't have much selection locally. any suggestions on a good powerhead that's not too large?

[Avalon]

I use a Rio 600 in my 29g and it's pretty strong. They make 3 smaller ones, the 50, 90, & 180. You might check out the 50 or 90.

[TabMorte]

That's really odd. For a HOB filter the Aquaclear 20 is the quietest one I have.

[Orlando]

Red Sea makes a nano HOB..

[dbleoh7]

problem fixed! i got a maxijet 400 powerhead. it's a little bulky, but it does exactly what i was looking for.