just wondering what kind of filter people would recommend for a 55 gal community aquarium?

Is it stocked heavy?

If money isn't a concern, on a 55g tank I would get a Rena xp3 for it.

Otherwise, I have used in the past dual Emperor 400s and dual Hagen Liberty 2042s (I think) it was the ones rated for up to 50 gallons.

Mike D seems to like these a whole bunch on initial testing and next time I need a HOB filter I'll be testing out one as well: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16729

I've heard good things about the Eheim 2227/2229 as well, but haven't tried one out yet either.

I also have an XP3 and I love it but the only down fall is if you break the quick disconect it could be hard to replace if planetrena.com is out of stock. I've been waiting for almost a year to get my new one and it only cost me $36 bucks.

I do like the filters Saint pointed out.

I agree it does depend on how much you are willing to spend.

For me I would use an Emperor 400 HOB. For the price it is a great filter.

Cheap and easy is a couple of AC 110's. They can definitely hold a heavily stocked tank and they keep the water crystal clear.

Keeper

I would run two but that is just me! All the above choices are good, Two Emperor 280's would be good.

I run 2 HOB's on my 72g. I have an AC110 on my oscar and JD tanks and the tanks are clear.

Mike: Did you call Rena for the part? Any time I've broken anything off any of the ones here I've just called Rena direct and they've been awesome about getting me stuff.

I didn't think of that.

found a fluval 305 canister on sale so grabbed that for the tank. had 2 hob on it before and they weren't cutting it with the tank. It looks better already and has only been running a couple days.

for the tank stock, it is a little heavy. The pleco is bout a foot long and only a year, the parrot cichlid, 2 ropefish bout a foot long each, 1 black ghostknife that is bout 5 inches, 1 cloud minnow left (others eaten but this one is quick), 2 loaches, and a chinese algae eater.

BTW if anyone in calgary alberta is interested in a pleco and or a chinese algae eater let me know.

Long term you're gonna need a bigger boat.

yeah i know, but for now it's working.

XP3's are great. I'm having issues with the ac110's so I wouldn't reccomend them but thats MO