Best budget filter for planted tank?

[liquid_krystale]

Have a 33 gallon tank right now, and am in a hurry to look for a filter that will provide good filtration and complement a pressurized CO2 injection system for a planted tank, while being low maintenance. I'm on a budget so something 50 or below would be ideal.

I've heard of sponge filters but they seem really low-tech to me, despite certain sites extolling their many virtues. Also considering the fluval U3.

Any tips, suggestions, or recommendations?

[discuspaul]

IMO an AquaClear 70 HOB would be an excellent filter to meet your needs. Should be near $50 at PetSmart. They occasionally have them on sale.
I've used many filters over the years - HOB's and Canisters, and swear by the AC's. I have 2 -AC 110's on my 75 gal. planted discus tank - they're extremely efficient, and low maintenance.

[liquid_krystale]

Aren't HOBs incompatible with high tech systems due to surface turbulence caused by dumping water back into the tank?

[jobber604]

You can remedy the surface turbulence by topping up the water until there is not 'waterfall'.

Further readings:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...ed-tank-69589/

[neven]

Up the bubble rate and you'll be fine, just don't slack on the top offs. You can also redirect the flow with the
Middle of a 2L bottle if you want more time between top offs. As long as you don't see air bubbles driven into the tanks from the outflow, you are fine with the hob
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[2wheelsx2]

In tank filters like the U3 will also allow you to inject CO2 via the venturi, if it has one. Personally, I'd stick with a canister filter myself, for a pressurized setup. Not that CO2 is expensive, the but hassle of refilling is. For a fully planted pressurized CO2 33 gallon, you'll be unclogging your HOB every other day..don't ask me how I know. I gave up on HOB's on every planted tank I had for that reason. Essentially there was no filtration because of the bypass after 3 -5 days, so unless you're wanting to clean your filters every week, go with a canister IMO.

[jobber604]

+1 and +2 with the above posts.
You should check out the great boxing day deal at J&L's if you're looking for a canister filter

Aquarium supplies, Fish food, Saltwater aquarium fish and aquarium filters from JLAquatics.com

[gklaw]

If you can find a used Fluval 205 or XP2 for around $50. I think that may be the best bang for $50. Check out IPU's Aqua Nova series as well. Canadian Aquatic seems to be bringing along of new products with hot prices as well. PM MyKiss or Charles.

[cichlid]

I love the AC line, but they do stir up the surface!

[bingerz]

If you go the AC route...i think i saw someone on here selling one for 40-45 bucks for the AC110. lol...i've got one of those on my 33g!