Filter recommendations for a 46 gallon tank

[Mustafa]

I just read the updated FAQ on filter feeders. I really want the vampire shrimp, they are fascinating and gorgeous.

it says:
The best food for filter shrimp are the micro-organisms that are blown out of the output of a well-established canister filter. A large enough hang-on power filter might work, too.

I hope you also read the part where it says:

"The filter shrimp can actually live on the micro-organisms exclusively as long as your tank is large enough and has other shrimp or small fish that are fed every day. This daily feeding keeps the micro-organisms in the filter reproducing, which in turn feeds the filter shrimp."

In other words, you can't just have a filter feeder tank, not feed, and hope that some microorganisms magically appear from the filter outflow. The little critters need food, too. In a tank with just filterfeeders, you *have* to feed them.

I'm wondering if anyone has successfully kept the vamps using an external filter?

Yes, of course. I obviously did. My shrimp grew as rapidly as any shrimp I have seen and my female was constantly carrying eggs. Very happy shrimp who constantly produced a pile of crap right below where they were perched. That's how I knew they were getting (more than) enough food.

[Neonshrimp]

Very happy shrimp who constantly produced a pile of crap right below where they were perched. That's how I knew they were getting (more than) enough food.

That is the old fashioned definative test, just as doctors used to put urine at the window sil to see if ants would come (positive test for diabetes)

[DatDamWuf]

thanks Mustafa! I did pay attention, the new tank will have compatible fish and plants and other shrimps as well. I was mostly worried about the outside filter. Can't wait for June!