Stupid Question? But Help?

[Fiwi.x]

So.... Bit of advice really, I have always over filtered my fish tanks.... I haven't kept fish for a year now but I am going to set up a 90l tropical tank (community) in the new year, I was looking at a fluval 205 but I just remembered I have a 405 mooching about somewhere.... I know I probably sound like an idiot but this would be to high filtration right??? Or is there no such thing as too much filtration??x

 

[wellbeloved747]

although it is good to always keep cleaning your tank as you think it is good for your fish there are some downsides

if you clean you tank to often you may remove to much of the good bacteria needed and you all need to use more cycle to keep it natural with some good bacteria

the 405 may be to powerful for small fish it may agitate the water too much or sometimes suck up a tiny fish and end u in a filter sponge (i learnt this from experience)


you could use the 405 for your aquarium but i wouldn't have it on 24/7 maybe 12hours a day max

hope it helps

 

[Fiwi.x]

Wouldn't the water get stagnant if it was only on for 12 hours? I have always been told filters should be left on 24/7 but I have never overfiltered as much as in this situation lol! And if I put polly wool over the intake valve, would this make less flow and stop little fosh taking a trip to the museum of filtration??x

 

[soybean]

although it is good to always keep cleaning your tank as you think it is good for your fish there are some downsides

if you clean you tank to often you may remove to much of the good bacteria needed and you all need to use more cycle to keep it natural with some good bacteria

the 405 may be to powerful for small fish it may agitate the water too much or sometimes suck up a tiny fish and end u in a filter sponge (i learnt this from experience)


you could use the 405 for your aquarium but i wouldn't have it on 24/7 maybe 12hours a day max

hope it helps

Two things:

Cycle is useless, and turning your filter off kills the bacteria off, and is never advised.

If the flow is too high you can try to buffer it by using extra filter media to reduce the flow, or by directing the flow to the side of the tank. Adding plants and decor also breaks up the flow.

I think a 405 would be pushing it in a 90 litre but it depends on how much current your fish like. If you stocked with fish that like a fast current you'd be doing them a favour, whereas your average gourami might get a bit fed up of it.

If it's knocking about, try it - if it doesn't work, then downsize.

 

[Fiwi.x]

This is true, it won't cost me any money to try it!!! If it didnt work would the 205 be an ideal alternative? Or 305. Or 105??x

 

[soybean]

Depends on your stocking really - numbers, waste levels, fussiness.

 

[XeroTolerance]

I wouldn't recommend ever purposely turning off your filter.

 

[Backlash]

I too like to over-filter my tanks..

May I offer a few suggestions for making the 405 more suitable for a smaller aquarium..

If the suction of the pick up tube is too great (i.e. if you are sucking up fry/smaller fish) you could try drilling many small holes all the way up the pickup tube.. (The holes must be under water)

On the output, use a long spray bar, again with extra holes if needed..

Reduce the flow of the filter by fitting a reducer (eg a plastic tap) in the pickup hose..

Goodluck..

 

[Fiwi.x]

Thank you .x

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Does the 405 have a flow control valve like my 205??? Would it be a good idea to simply shut the valve off, say.. 50% for a 90L aquarium..?

Terry.