I have an Aqua-Tech filter right now...not too thrilled with it. I'm looking at other filters, but totally not sure what's best--or near best. I have a 10 gal. tank wit 2 goldfish and 1 live plant. And a few pond snails. Right now the water's been white cloudy for about a week. I've done a 50%+ water change. I need a better filter system, I'd like clear water once in awhile. Chemistry is okay and the fish seem fine. I need opinions.........please. :)

I don't have that many filters but when I ran my 10 gallon, I used a Penguin Mini filter by Marineland. I run the Penguin 160 (old model) on my 20 gallon. Most hang-on-tank filters are pretty good. I'm not fond of undergravel filters (had one for a few years) or canister filters (have one on my 50 gallon). The air-driven and other submerged filters aren't going to be strong enough for a 10 gallon with goldfish.

I ended up doing a BIG 75% water change with the Python this morning. Got home and the NH tester was in the danger Zone!! It's slowly going down, and instead of clear tap water...it's still white cloudy. AARGHHH!!! Hopefully I can pick up a new filter this weekend.

Did you stir up a lot of stuff when you vacuumed off the bottom? I assume you've tested your tap water for ammonia and nitrate as well?

I moved everything when I vac'd. The tank was clearish for a day, but back to white cloudy now. The NH is in the stress zone again and going up, and I can't seem to bring up the Ph. It's staying at 7.0 mark or a touch lower.
Didn't have a chance to go get a new filter today. <_<
I've been rinsing off the carbon filter part every few days, and totally replacing about 3 weeks. Is the other part of the filter that you 'leave in' supposed to have a brown gel crud on it? Is this the bacteria? I can only describe this part as a white scrungy looking pad with the gel on it.

The good bacteria will make a light brown film. If there's a lot of crud on it, I suggest rinsing it a bit in some tank water in a fish-safe bucket. I sometimes run my biowheels under the water (I have well water so no chlorine) to remove some build up to allow new bacteria to grow. If your biological filter is also acting as a mechanical filter, it's going to get really dirty if not cleaned. It's better to have them separate.