Fluval filter for tropical fish?!?!

[KayceeChris]

Hi guys.
It’s just a query really, we have a 160L tank for our tropical fish & currently have a fluval u3 filter in place. We have 24 small tropical fish in there at the mo. We were thinking of swapping it for a fluval u4 filter, although we’re worried it may be too strong for our guppies. Any advice/ recommendations? Ty

 

[seangee]

Is there a particular reason for the change? If its doing its job don't change it.

 

[KayceeChris]

Is there a particular reason for the change? If its doing its job don't change it.

The only reason being is because someone told us that the u3 isn’t strong enough for a 160L tank and would need the u4. We have brought the u4 but just seemed a bit much for our guppies when they were swimming

 

[seangee]

I wouldn't bother. The U3 is rated for tanks up to 150l. You can take that with a pinch of salt - the manufacturers always use worst case scenarios and the idea that more filtration is better is not always true. if it is a 160 liter tank it will have less than 150l of water in it anyway.

 

[Metalhead88]

You'd be surprised how little filtration you actually need.

If your tank is established (no ammonia or nitrite) and water clarity from mechanical filtration is up to your standards......you have enough filtration.

 

[aqua.land]

Hi.
Why would you want to swap the filter? Is something wrong with it?
Generally current/water flow isn't a problem as long as it's escapable, and it doesn't affect the entire area of your tank.

 

[Byron]

I agree with others recommending keeping what you have. I have a 40g (160 liter) tank that had a dual sponge filter for three years. The fish appreciated this, as they were all small characins (pencilfish, hatchetfish, small tetras) that like quiet water. Live plants too.