Filters

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

Ok i went out and bought another 2 filters for my 55 gallon and im just wondering if it sounds like decent enough filtration. I currently have a marineland biowheel 350 (350 gph), a Top-fin 60 (330 gph), and a cascade 400 internal filter (120 gph). Does this seem like enough filtration for my tank?

-Dave

 

[StarOrbs]

It looks like you are even overfiltering. I belive its a good rule of thumb to have 10x the gallons per hour of the tank so it would be 550 gph would be good..

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

So im set then? Ive heard there really is never too much filtration on a tank. Correct me if im wrong tho. Thanks for the reply StarOrbs.

-Dave

 

[Lateral Line]

Adding more filters then necessary is generally pointless. The bacteria growth is determined by the nutrient level in the water. If you draw a volume with a set amount of nutrient in it through a filter, it will develop a colony large enough to deal with that nutrient level. Add a second filter, and the same amount of bacteria will now be spread between the two. You will not get twice the bacteria because you have two filters, there simply isn't enough food for them.

Another issue is water movement. In planted tanks, you want to reduce surface agitation to hold CO2 in the water. A lot of filters running will knock the CO2 out of solution.

A lot of fish come from low energy environments, they will be stressed by excess currents.

Yes, you most certainly can over filter a tank.

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

Ok thanks for the reply lateral line. You seem to know your stuff pretty well . Well what do you suggest i do?

-Dave

 

[Stryker]

I use two large fluvals and a eheim internal for my fish (see sig). I think its a good idea as it means not all my eggs (bugs?) are in one basket.

Yes, you'll only ever have as much bacteria as needed so it makes no difference nor is a problem having more filters. Only your wallett controls that.

 

[fraservet]

Lateral Line - while what you say is true as far as it goes, I would just add that while adding more and more filters won't change anything, it is a good idea to have some excess filtering capacity, rather than stretching your existing filter to it's maximum.
For example, if there is an increase in waste in the tank, the filter bacteria will be able to multiply to deal with it.

Also as Stryker said, two filters are better than one in case one breaks down.

In terms of water movement (which is not necessarily related to filtering), then you have to have an appropriate amount for your system.

Marine tanks generally require much higher flow than freshwater - 10x plus.
As said, planted tanks generally want a fairly low flow.
Some fish love currents (not currants!) and will happily play in and around them all day, while others will really suffer in these conditions.
This is why it is vital to choose fish not solely based on looks.

 

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

thanks for the replies everyone. My fish love the current and they play in it all the time. From my now current knowledge i believe i will leave my filters in and just not add any more. Maybe ill add an extra filter cartridge to my bio-wheel 350 just cause it cant hurt. Thanks again.

-Dave

 

[BobK]

Yeah you're overfiltered but at least you have some redundancy. If one filter konks out you still have two to keep the tank going. Comes in handy if you're away when the filter decides to kick the bucket!