Help with filtration

[Chad08]

I have a 55 gallon tank right now...I plan on getting a bigger tank later. Because I have 3 oscars about 2 inches each, a 2 inch black tiped shark and a 3 inch pleco....I have a Top Fin 60 filter...do I need a bio-wheel filter also? I read that they are better for oscars. And it would be ok to have both right?....I've been looking into getting a Emperor Bio-wheel filter? Good option? Any advice would be great! Thanks

 

[Chad08]

Anyone?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

You only need a bio-wheel filter if your current filter is not doing it's job. It's doing it's job if it is converting all of the ammonia and nitrite (they always measure at 0).

 

[Nina7777]

I am guessing you bought your 55 gallon as part of a kit. I too bought the 55 gallon kit which came with the topfin 60.
IME this is was not enough filtration for my 55 gallon with its occupants so I added an Emporer400. (which has two bio-wheels.)

The topfin60 is a good little filter, but with oscars and silver sharks you are going to need a second filter, and if you have to buy one anyways, why not get one with a bio-wheel.

Now my tank is sparkling and the levels are all good. I was having a bit of trouble with just the top fin60 because the only place the bacteria can really thrive is on the cartridges and if you discard them then you loose half of your filter colony.

 

[Chad08]

Thanks for the replies. Isn't the rule 5 times your aquarium size as far as filtration?

 

[Chad08]

I got me an Emperor 400 today. The set up looks good. And all my levels are good. Thanks!!! And good luck with your fish.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

No, there is no rule like that. Well, I suppose there is in some peoples minds, but amount of filtration depends on how many fish, and what kind of fish, that you keep.