[jerryfooj]

New to the hobby. Anyone know through experience what the best filter size (canister) for a heavily planted 50 gal?

 

[TNguyen]

I will recommend an eheim 2217.

 

[Tex Gal]

Everyone seems to love the Eheims. I am about to buy one. I'll see what the hubub is all about!

If you can't spend quite that much I really like the Rena XP filters. You could get an XP2 or XP3 if you like lots of water movement.

 

[Cliff Mayes]

It is always better to overfilter. Get the biggest you can afford. Fluvals are cheaper and Eheims are also available and everyone has their own favorite. Generally canisters are better than HOBs but HOBs are very inexpensive and two nice ones are less expensive than one canister. I have used all of them but they are all OK as long as you listen to what the Forum Guru's say (about inserts) rather than paying attention to what is put out by the Manufacturers who are just trying to increase profits.

 

[vancat]

yep, I have an Eheim 2217 on my 72 and it does just fine! Simply The Best.

 

[Diana K]

I use Rena Filstar XP3 or Aquaclear 110 on 45 gallon tanks. Manufacturers claim they will work for 100+ gallon tanks. I do not believe that would work for my tanks.

With either canisters or the Aquaclear aim for at the bare minimum of 5x your tank volume per hour, though I have found closer to 10x is better.
With cartridge style HOB (Hang on back) figure at least 10x. (and don't get them anyway- they are not worth the savings. Cheap junk)