I haven't started yet, but I'm compiling a list of the necessary equipment to get started on my (currently empty) 55g aquarium. Before I start buying everything, I'd like some advice and recommendations, and some of y'alls personal experiences.

For the filter, I have in my Amazon shopping cart a Marineland Penguin biowheel filter, (rated for 50 - 75 gallons, 350 GPH) and to go in it, a couple bags (2.2lb total) of bio rings, and coarse sponge pads, both in place of the included blue filter cartridges. I've read that these are way better, and when it's time to clean them out, I can rinse them in some old aquarium water, and that will keep all the beneficial bacteria, while getting rid of the McNasties and other stuff they catch.

Is that just nonsense, or a tried and true method that some of y'all have used?

Should I bother with using a traditional HoB filter AND another type of filter, like an undergravel, or a canister or sponge filter? I've heard of folks doing that, too.

Thanks for any advice or recommendations!