[quote=Prometheus;385079] I have this aquaclear HOB filter which is creating too much water agitation and a lot of noise and I dont feel like topping it off every few days just to keep the noise down. QUOTE]
Ah, those noisey filters. They'll drive you crazy! And all that water agitation is probably removing carbon dioxide, which will drive up the pH. Plus, its hard to have floating plants, as they get trapped under the spillway.
If your plants are growing well, you really don't need a filter. However, if you want one, I recommend a small submersible. Wal-Mart has one for about $20. I bought it for my sister during a visit, because I couldn't stand the racket from her old filter. I'm sure that the fish in the tank were even more relieved than I was!
