I have only been caring for goldfish for a short time. I am learning more and more each day. But I must say again, that I've spent more and more money each week because of bad advise from my local pet shops.
This message board is the only thing that has kept my beloved Orandas alive. Thank you all!!! You have helped so much!
I was told "goldfish are easy care" by the local stores. When actually there is a lot to it.
I am still enjoying the Orandas but am afraid I am going to not do what is best for them because I know so little.

My question is: What are all of the different types of filters avalible? What is the best for goldfish?
I started with a sponge filter with aeration and a whisper filter for 20-30 gallon tank. I have a 29 gallon with 2large Oranda's and 1 small.
They seem okay and happy but what filter should I have?
I just purchased a Marineland Penguin BIO-Wheel 330 Power Filter because I read that the biowheel is great for goldfish. But what is a canister? What about a UV? Are they all separate types of filters? Or are they used in addition to what I already have?
Confused...
Rae

For your size thank, i think the HOB (hang over back) biowheel filters are great.

The UV sterilizers are an "in addition" piece of equiptment, not neccessary, but nice to have. i really want one, but don't have one.

Canister filters are filters generally used with bigger tanks- 40 gals and up, I believe. They can be used on smaller tanks, but usually hob filters do just as well on those.

The UV sterilizers are an "in addition" piece of equiptment, not neccessary, but nice to have. i really want one, but don't have one. - featherjinxer

I have never heard of UV sterilizers. What do they do, add UV? but the rest of the questions I know about.

Canister filters are basically a stick to the side of the tank filter. A good example would be a Fuval. I think that is a kind of canister. Someone tell me if I am wrong.

There are a number of filters out there. I would reccomened an AquaClear. It is a power filter and hangs over the side of your tank. I have one of these, I find them excelllent in filteration! A dream!

UV is a wonderful addition to a tank set up. generally, it is easier to use a UV in line with a canister filter. if you were considering a canister, for your setup get the Fluval 204. this would move 40 gallons per hour. later, if you wanted, you could add a UV clarifier to the line returning to the tank. The UV is light that uses the upper band of radiation, the type that give you that summer burn. it breaks bacteria and algea causing both to perish. the remains, (rest in pieces), are then circulated back through the water and into the filter again, either getting caught up in the filter, (if it is big enough), or removed with a water change. either way, green water is a thing of the past.

the nice thing about using UV with a canister is the water is filtered, then UV treated, keeping the UV device cleaner longer. you get this setup i've described and you will have a top shelf tank. also, get some plants to keep the side algea in check.

Thank you for the advise I do understand a bit more now. I really do want a UV filter is sound like they really prevent a lot of problems with bacteria and help the fish "thrive" and not just survive.
I wish they were not so expensive though..
Rae

Hello ElliotOranda, the penguin 330 you have is a great choice for the tank you've got. Goldfish need a minimum of 10x filtration per hour -- your 29 gal needs at least 290 gph, and the penguin is giving you 330. This helps a lot in keeping your water clean. I have a penguin 330 also, on my 20 gal, and I love it. You shouldn't need another filter on your tank right now, you sound like you have a nicely adequate filtration set up, but later maybe if you choose you might want to add a canister to your tank. It's not necessary though. I love eheim canisters -- though they are expensive they are worth every penny. Hope I helped a bit.

Thank you for all your help it is wonderful advise.
My fishies Thank you too.
:goldfish

That 330 should keep your tank sparkling clean. I have also used the Emperor 400 which is also made by Marineland and it works great also!