Comment by J on January 24, 2014 at 3:03pm

Im a fan of the aquaclear hang on backs, they have a good bottom to top flow and the media doesnt need to be replaced as often as the bio wheels or tetra filters.  All hobs are fairly quiet as long as the water level is close to the bottom of it so it doesnt splash. 

Comment by Peter on January 24, 2014 at 9:45pm

If u want to do less maintanence get a canister filter. If ur set on a hob get the biggest u can. All hobs after a while get loud it happens with age

Comment by George Barrett on January 26, 2014 at 11:22pm

depending on your setup you can look at sponge filters you can even make your own pretty easily. I use aquaclears and customize them to what the tank needs extra sponge and then some bio media and then some peat to lower my ph. never hear them until my water starts to evaporate. also adding some moss of course depending on fish and lighting but moss will effectively remove nitrates for you

Comment by Robert Jango on January 27, 2014 at 7:01pm

People at the New England Aquarium recommend sponge filters for the hobbyist. They make great biological filters, but make sure you squeeze them out once a week in non-chlorinated water. They must be clean. 

Like George said, adapting a hang-on to take sponges allows you to do other stuff as well. 

Comment by Kevin Flynn on January 31, 2014 at 3:58pm

That's for the advice everyone!

Comment by Fry on February 11, 2014 at 2:12pm

I am a wet/dry sump fan myself. you can built a custom one for around 100bucks You can see mine in my photos.

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