Under Water Filter Recommendations?

[cyris69]

I have two of these filters right now. Amazon.com: Hagen Elite Underwater Mini Filter, UL Listed: Pet Supplies
I got them both when they were on sale for 9$ and free 2-day shipping with prime.

However, I need to remove the filter and rinse it out every to days because it looses most of its power from the coco fiber that gets in the water. I also put 1/4" of activated carbon under each filter. I do keep fish on both my viv 50/50 tanks one for my giant Africa bullfrog (29gal tank) and one in my dwarfs (10gal) Each aquatic section is a little over 4 inches tall and take up half of each tank.

So my question is what would be a good budget solution besides getting a canister filter as the water amount is so small it would be over powered.

I am tempted to try either http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Turtle.../dp/B0002DIRPU or http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=11147282

Could I use an over the side filter and just extent the input tube to reach the water and allow a water fall effect?