I am soon to be setting up a 36 gallon tank. I know I want a Filstar XP2 (since I already have an XP3 on a different tank and I try not to have to buy EVERY kind of media on the market! ). I also know I want a second filter but am not sure what kind. I am considering either an Emporer 280 or some kind of internal (Eheim Aquaball maybe). The tank is going to be 3 feet from my bed so I am leaning toward the internal just because it would be quieter. Would this be an OK choice? And does anybody know anything about the Aquaball? Thanks for any info!

For a second filter the Emp 280 would work fine. For noise levels, make
sure to keep the water level above the bottom of the output. Then
you'll just have the soothing sound of a light flowing water.

I've got Emp's and penguins on all my tanks. When the water level is
good, I hear more noise from the bubbles popping.

Which ever filter you go with, make sure to have total fitration about
10 times the gallonage of the tank. 36 gal tank-360 gallon per hour (gph)
of filtration.

Here's a link for a review on internal filters:


http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...p?article_id=94

Here's one place to get a aquaball and some info about what they do:


http://www.marinedepot.com/a_ph_eheim.asp

Need anymore info, just ask!

i have a filstar xp3 and an aquclear 300 on my tank . had the ac 300 before the xp3 and is very quite if you keep you water levels up