..err.. ok. to me, it's nano
eheim 2215 or 2217 (if you got extra cash). if u want to cut some cost, go for China cannister filter with minimum flowrate 150litre/hour at least.

LOL.. not back active. just back in the community. never left my tank.... and my dream, no i didnt. hahaha.... because after i move house, i cant seem to have enough space for 6ft tank unfortunately >_< so just scape as usual...

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Added on February 11, 2012, 1:45 pm

if u feel nothing is wrong, doesnt mean there's nothing is wrong.

u can make every hobby is simple and cheap and expecially in this pet's wonderland, it;s for pet and do u ever notice that plants are 'living things" ?
- u can keep hedgie in a shoebox and leave it in ur storeroom, dump a whole basket of catfood + 1 jug of water and leave them for a month. cheap, and easy.
- u can have sugar glider in ur closet drawer and leave him with an apple for a week food. cheap and easy.
- u can have a dog and leave them stray by itself anywhere anytime as it pleased and tell him "find ur own food in any dustbin from any house and drink longkang water urself... but u are still my dog". cheap and easy...
- u can even adopt a kid, and throw them a lollipop + mineral water every day. cheap and easy also...

for the above examples, do you think that they're thriving and will live happily?

there's another way to cut cost in this hobby by DIY another stuff but so far i never see anyone DIY a filteration system. to keep any living things, be responsible for them. make sure they're as happy as you are. they are living things even tho they're not dead. cutting cost in a smart way. ask around and people will help to guide.

.... but if on the other hand, ur tank is just having a bunch of java fern on top of  those colourful pebbles, then yes... sponge filter will do okay.

i am not asking to spend so much on this hobby but i am asking to spend properly for the sake of yourself and those living things you keep. read my signature.

plus, that guy asking for a filter recommendation for his new 4ft tank and he never mentioned about his budget how much also. so people would suggest the most suitable for the tank la instead of his budget.

if someone asked you "i need a car for a family of 5, which car you would recommend for me to buy?"
would you answer... "no need to waste money paying car loan.. just take bus. can fit more than 20 people also... cheap and easy mah."
... the heck?

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Added on February 11, 2012, 1:55 pm

LOL... retired? ceh... why?