t-rex

I dislike HOB filters but that's all I have used. I have an fx5 I was planning on using for my 90 gal which is not running yet. So he question is whay should I get for my 55?

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Chazittaria

Internal has always worked really well for me. However canister in my opinion in the best route to go. But if your looking for the more affordable route HOB is what I would run considering you can get top of the line HOB filters for the same cost as an average canister.

Diana K

Get the FX5 going even on this tank. By the time you are ready to move up to a larger tank you will know if the FX5 will do what you want, and it will be well cycled.
Over 900 gph (per manufacturer) sounds like a lot for a 55 gallon, but note that is without media. 600 gph w/ media is not too much for a 55. Just about right IMO.

If you think the FX5 will do what you want on the 90 gallon, and you like the Fluval product, then you might want the same manufacturer but smaller for the 55. (I do not know what they are currently selling)

I run the Rena Filstar XP3 (a canister) on several 45 gallon tanks, and the Aquaclear 110 (HOB) on some. Either of these would be a good choice.
If you want less gallons per hour, then the smaller versions of these (XP2 or Aquaclear 70) are available, but I run these on smaller tanks.

totziens

Get yourself a canister filter. In my country, the most reliable one is Eheim. I love Eheim Classic such as 2213, 2215 & 2217. 2217 should be suitable for 55 gal. 2215 is under power based on my experience on 50 gal tank.

t-rex

Woops I meant xp4. What are you running for media?
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bpb

I vote eheim 2217. I got mine used for only $25, which isnt typical, but definitely possible. Buy one used and know that eheim parts of any kind are readily available and easy to replace. The 2215 would definitely be under powered for a 55 gallon despite manufacturer suggestions. I have a eheim 2217 & 2026 both running on my 75 gallon and it's just right

mudboots

I like Diana's thought on the FX...if you can get in the neighborhood of 8-10x the flow rate of your aquarium capacity and in the neighborhood of 8-10% filter capacity you'll be in a good position for the long haul. I'd recommend a course media that you don't plan on messing with, a course pad that you may or may not plan on messing with, and an external filter-sponge-pad-thing of sorts on the intake so removing the excess organics is easy and doesn't interfere with the critters living in the filter itself, and the filter won't get clogged up much. Just my thoughts though.