Equipment Review and Discussion :: Can I use a cannister filter?

[michstarr]

I have a 55 gallon tank and 1 5-inch female, Rock. I need to get a new filter, with little maintenance, as I will be going away for 2 months and need to have someone take care of it. The tank is filled to the top with water.

I was thinking of getting a Rena XP3 or Fluval canister filter, but am unsure if I can use either of them. My tank sits on an old giant coffee table - about 2 feet high. Will the canister filter work, if I put it on the ground? I'm a novice to filters, but I've been reading up, and someone mentioned not getting a prime if it's not low enough below the filter.

Can someone also tell me what the media is I need to get? I don't know what it comes with, but I've been reading different things from different people. Remember I"m a novice - so the easier, less maintenance, the better.

Thanks so much. This forum has been awesome - everyone is so helpful and responsive!

[steve]

I would get the XP3 and it could work 2 feet below the tank. Priming could be a pain to get started, but you only need to do it once. The filter should come with some basic media, it really depends on how you want to use it. Most people add extra bio media and filter pads.