extra filter probably needed

[tmlhaus]

Currently I have a 55 gallon tank with about 50" of fish in it. When they're all full grown, though, if I keep what I have it will be about 65-70" of fish. I currently have an emperor 400 on it. Should I get another filter exactly what I have or should I go with something else? What about canister filters....advantages/disadvantages?
There's also the possibility of getting rid of some of these fish as time goes on..

 

[cometcattle]

Honestly, even at full growth, I don't think you are overstocked.

But if you want more filtration, I'd probably add an Emperor 280.

EDIT: I'm not a fan of the inch per gallon. Remember, the tetras will not give off as much waste as a cichlid or pleco of equal inches.

 

[Tolak]

Water changes are just as critical as filtration when it comes to an overstocked tank. Dividing up the tank with decorations & plants is also wise in order to decrease stress. In my 55 I do weekly water changes of 40-50%. This is the only way I can keep 2 12" plecs, a 10" plec, a bristlenose, 5 half dollar size angels, & around a dozen platys. Running 2 eheim canisters & an ac 300 keep it clean, but still require cleaning pretty often. I know that I'm gonna get ripped for my stocking of this tank, but water parameters are good, nitrates never go above 30 ppm.

Tolak

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I don't think you are overstocked either. What are your parameters like (amonia/nitrIte/nitrAte)?

Extra filtration is always a good thing, also it allows to have more mature media when setting up new tanks.

 

[tmlhaus]

My water levels are always fine. I'm only concerned because the angel is a baby and my yoyos are only about 2 1/2" right now. So I'll probably be at 65" unless I get rid of something..

 

[rvm]

I have the same situation, I have a 55 that will be slightly overstocked when they are all full grown. (mainly due to the plec and clown loaches!!) but I run a cannister filter designed to handle tanks up to 150g and I make sure I do at least one water change of 20-30% each week, sometimes twice. I have a high nitrate reading from my tap supply, and I regularly monitor it, and it never goes above 75ppm, but since I have bought a tap water nitrate filte, it is usually around 25-50ppm. So as long as you keep up the maintenance and have adequate filtration, I think it's ok to overstock slightly