Filter Change Out

[vb514]

Hello all,

I'm not new to keeping aquariums, but I am considering changing to a different filter and have never done that before. I'd like any advice on doing it safely, without harming the water quality.

I have a 46 gallon bowfront aquarium that has been running well for about 5 years. Ammonia and Nitrites are at 0. Nitrates are < 5. I currently have an Aqueon Quietflow 55 and it has worked well for me. However, most calculators online say I am close to the limit of what my filtration can safely handle, even though my tank is not even close to overstocked (i know they are a bit conservative, but I dont mind taking the safest view of things).

I was thinking of switching to an Aqua Clear 110. From what I've read, you can never have too much filtration, and it'd be nice to have the flexibility to add a few more fish if wanted. My question is, how do I change out the filters without crashing my tank water? I assume that running them both for a period of time would be preferable, but I'd rather not cut up the plastic piece of the aquarium top to fit both of them because I'd have no way to replace it once I go back to only one filter, and I dont want my redtail shark to jump out of the hole left behind.

Thanks for any advice!

Current stock:
2 yoyo loaches
1 zebra loach
1 bristlenose pleco
6 rummynose tetras
2 platys
1 red tail shark

Would like to add 3-5 more platys and 5 kuhli loaches.

 

[Byron]

First thing to clear up...you can have too much "filtration" and what is more, you do not need as much as some think. More filters or stronger filters usually have no benefit, and may have quite a detriment.

Most people rely on the filter for three things: water movement, mechanical filtration and biological filtration. Chemical filtration is generally best avoided. Water movement is very important for fish as some need current, some less, some none at all. Mechanical filtration is removing the microscopic suspended particulate matter from the water to keep it clear; clear is not the same as clean. Biological filtration is primarily nitrification, ensuring AOB and NOB are present to remove ammonia and nitrite.

Water movement must suit the fish. Mechanical filtration can only do so much and if the filter is basically rated for the tank this should not be an issue. Biological filotration is lessened with too much water movement through the filter, and the AOB and NOB will only be at numbers needed to handle the ammonia/nitrite, and these bacteria do occur elsewhere such as the substrate. Last point to keep in mind...there is nothing wrong with an aquarium with no "filter" at all; obviously subject to the fish load and plants, etc, but the point is, it can work.

Adding more filters or larger filters does not mean you can handle more fish safely. And even if this were done, the danger of a serious catastrophe occurring is significant, so don't push things.

After all that...if everything has been OK for five years, it is undoubtedly OK.

 

[vb514]

Wow. Thanks for the response. Kinda blew my mind in terms of new info - or at least things that aren't posted as commonly in these forums. I appreciate it!

I guess I will give it a go with my current filter since I've always kept the water in good shape as is - even though I previously had a few more fish.

Thanks again!