Filtering A 5.5G Dwarf Puffer Tank

[kelly528]

Just curious... I had a Hagen Elite (5-10g) kicking around for the DP tank I am considering, but it is just so noisy, plus I am not a fan of carbon and it's outlandish filter-cartridges are going to be difficult to modify.

I was thinking of

-Fluval 1 Plus Perhaps it would be overkill? They're rated for 12g. Plus, they take up a HECK of a lot of room.

-Aquaclear 20 or Biowheel Again, I can understand on a 10g but on a 5g would it be overkill?

I also have a Tetra Whisper hob (5-10g) that I could abduct from my 10g, but mmmph. Carbon.

Waht do you guys use?

 

[jameshughes1989]

Look into an hagen elite mini filter. Im pretty sure there for up to 5 gallon, and ive got one on my betta tank that sits next to my bed. QUIET!

 

[lilacamy931]

When concerning dwarf puffers, the more filtration the better, as these are very messy guys. The fluval would probably take up too much room, a biowheel may be good. The more filtration the better in this case, also because these little puffs can be extremely sensitive to water quality. Best of luck, these are lovely wonderful fish!

 

[kelly528]

Look into an hagen elite mini filter. Im pretty sure there for up to 5 gallon, and ive got one on my betta tank that sits next to my bed. QUIET!

Yeah i have them in the up to 5 one and the 5-10 one. The 5-10 one is so freaking noisy, but I got it at a closing sale for 3 bucks so I can't really return it. and the up-to-5 may not have enough horsepower for a pea puffer lol!

 

[Mr._Fishy]

I second the biowheel idea. I wouldn't go with an internal since you are already pressed for room and I doubt a filter rated for 5g will be enough filtration for one dp.

 

[Darkerwhite2]

I ran a aquaclear 10-15 on my 5G. Stocked with a single DP, and two shrimp. The DP seemed to enjoy the strong current and the filter had no prob with the bioload. Was a great setup... Miss that guy, coolest fish I have ever owned.

 

[bitteraspects]

AC20 is by far your best option so far. great water flow, and lots of room for bio media (unlike the bio-wheel filter). you also get the option to customize your filter regimen, which means no carbon. with just the sponge and bio-max you will have a great all around filter for both mech and bio filtration.

alternatively, if youre handy, you could always fashion a DIY filtration system for your tank, which would give you even more options.

 

[kelly528]

AC20 is by far your best option so far. great water flow, and lots of room for bio media (unlike the bio-wheel filter). you also get the option to customize your filter regimen, which means no carbon. with just the sponge and bio-max you will have a great all around filter for both mech and bio filtration.

alternatively, if youre handy, you could always fashion a DIY filtration system for your tank, which would give you even more options.

I ended up going with an AC 20. I put the carbon aside for removing meds and put filter wool in instead. Great filter, but man is it noisy! I've tried everything- removing and replacing the impeller, adjusting the levelers, waiting... Maybe it will quiet down when it slimes over a little (it's something with the impeller, I'm sure) but if it doesn't do so very soon I'll have to take it back!

 

[bitteraspects]

thats strange. ive had tons of AC filters, and each one was completely silent.

 

[kelly528]

thats strange. ive had tons of AC filters, and each one was completely silent.

I've heard of them being noisy before but if yours is silent I suppose I should take mine back. I have never owned one before so I didn't really know what to expect but perhaps this one's a dud!

 

[bitteraspects]

my oldeds running one is 9 years old, and completely silent. ive probably had a dozen or so (maybe more) and the only time there was ever noise was if i did something wrong (assembly, improper set up, lid not snapped all the way in place, something in the impeller, etc)

 

[kelly528]

my oldeds running one is 9 years old, and completely silent. ive probably had a dozen or so (maybe more) and the only time there was ever noise was if i did something wrong (assembly, improper set up, lid not snapped all the way in place, something in the impeller, etc)

I have been scouring the interwebs, and apparently, all of them are silent EXCEPT for the AC 20's, where a good 20% have noisy impellers right out of the box. Mine has no air bubbles, leveler adjusted, nothing in the impeller, lid taken off, and it's still noisy so I'll try my luck with another one.