Filters

[rvm]

I have a 55g tank with a full stock of fish (slightly overstocked if I'm honest, but only just!!) I do regular water changes (1 every 5 days or so), and I have a Fluval 4+ internal filter. I am thinking of upgrading the filter just because there are quite a few fish in there and my thinking is that it would be better.
my 2 choices are a small external to back up the internal, or a large external top replace the internal.
obviously, either way I would leave the current filter running until I have a bacteria colony built up in the new one, but I wondered which, if any, is the best way to go??

 

[kittybug]

i have heard of lots of people running an extra small filter as a backup and i was thing of doing it when i get my arge tank. also since you have already invested in the filter you have it would be cheaper to get the smaller extra one.

 

[rvm]

I thought of that, the only thing is that if I go with the large external, then I can get rid of the ugly internal one!!!!!

 

[jams.alaskan]

Or........ save that internal one in there for hospital tank/fry tank or smaller tank for MORE fish. I'd go with the large external if you can afford it.

ALASKA

 

[rvm]

I think I'll probably do that. Does anyone know anything about Aquapro filters?? There is a shop near me that sells them, they say they are like eheim, but cheaper.

 

[Tropjunky]

well i'd get a rena filter the biggest external they make is i think a XP3 or is it IV3 you should do water changes once every 2 week and about 25% thats how i've done it.

 

[smithrc]

Or........ save that internal one in there for hospital tank/fry tank or smaller tank for MORE fish. I'd go with the large external if you can afford it.

ALASKA

It'll have to be a BIG hospital tank... the Fluval 4+'s are about 12" high

I'm thinking the same about my tank too... I've currently got a biolife filter in there as well (maturing for our next setup) and the water clarity is a lot better...

Unfortunatly we have nowhere to hide an externat so we have a fluval 2+ thats going to go in there as well one we have the tanks sorted out and the new ones setup.

If i was you i'd get an external and keep the 4+ as a backup. (it'll go nicely in a new tank )