Different types of filters

Question
Hi Nicole - we are about to purchase another fish tank but are unsure of all the different types of filter you can get.  Is one filter better than another?  We have heard about some people implying that their filters are failing them and don't want this to happen to us!! (Also do you know what a scimmer is?)  Many, many thanks :-)

Answer
Hi Lucy,

Yes! A skimmer - by which you probably mean a protein skimmer - is used in saltwater fish tanks, and also brackish fish tanks, to skim the proteinaceous scum out of the water. It's one of the reasons why saltwater fish tanks have such amazing clarity. They are, however, useless in fresh water, because they need the salt in the water to work. If you are considering setting up a saltwater tank, do check the experts in this area - most of us here in Freshwater Aquariums aren't expert with saltwater! Incidentally, there's such a thing as a surface skimmer, which is often sold as an attachment to a particular brand of filter designed for a freshwater aquarium. You could try it, but I doubt it would be terribly effective - I've heard no raves so far.

As far as what filters are the best, I personally love canister filters. I have only just started using them, but find them to be fantastic! I have an expensive kind (an Eheim) and a cheap kind (a Penn-Plax) and both do the job, I wouldn't buy such an expensive canister filter again since I honestly can't tell the difference, except the media baskets are sturdier in the Eheim canister filter.

Hang-on back filters are fine too, and I use plenty of those in my tanks as well, but they require more frequent cleaning and attention. My personal picks for hang-on back filters are #1 Hagen's AquaClear and #2 Marineland's Penguin or Emperor filters. Both are great, although if you decide to get one of the Marineland filters, do yourself a favor and try the AquaClear media in the Marineland filter, especially the Biomax ceramic rings and the foam sponges. The AquaClear media comes in many different sizes, so there will be a size that fits your filter. This reusable, rinsable media is fantastic! It keeps your aquarium biologically balanced, and there is no need to replace any cartridges, EVER. Carbon performs a limited function in freshwater tanks...biological media however is essential, as it is the breeding ground for beneficial bacteria which keep your tank healthy.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/reviews/
This website offers you some reviews, by hobbyists. I hope it helps!

If you have any other questions or want my opinion on a specific product, just let me know and I'll be happy to give you my 2 cents.

Take care,
Nicole