which is best

[chishnfips]

I have just bought a 4ft tank

Dimensions are: 48 inches x 15 inches x 12 inches

I was wondering what filters would be best, I have looked at eheim and fluval but eheim are too expensive, so i am going to get fluval.

But would a fluval 3 be enough for the tank as it does to 53 gallons or would I be better with two fluval 2's?

 

[boxman]

I personally would go for a fluval 304 canister. That would be the ideal for your tank (definately more filter power that you need which is good).

I've got a 204 in my 3' and it's not streched at all! Even with bogwood which normally effects water colour I only had to put some filter media in one of the empty holders and my water is crystal clear!

Check this ebay seller out - extremely good prices! Link

It's absolutely silent too! Hope that helps. Pete

 

[Undawada]

I know you are thinking about 1 or 2 canister filters, but have you considered a HOB like an aquaclear for a second filter?

A canister filter is great for bio filtration, and aquaclear filters are cheap, and provide better mechanical filtration than a canister.

Two filters are always better than one, just for redundancy. It's always better to have a backup in case one stops working.


edit: Grammar Police

 

[freddyk]

I couldn't agree more with the previous post, this is how all my tanks are set up. Not to mention you can stagger the maintenance on the filters and give them a decent cleaning without having to worry about losing your bio-filter.

 

[chishnfips]

I went to the lfs today and found a fluval 4 for £32 and I also already had a little filter like a fluval 1.

So I bought the fluval 4 with the idea of using the little filter aswell to bump it up a little. I couldn't quite afford the 204, it's all so expensive.

But I reckon this should be ok. what do you think.

Also I have asked around for places to buy amonia but nowhere seems to sell it, I was advised that I could use fish food to start the cycle then add some stress zyme to further it and leave it for 2 weeks to cycle.

Does this sound right?

 

[boxman]

I did stress zyme on it's own for 2 weeks and my tank levels were perfect.

I wouldn't personally use flakes to start the cycle as the flakes are only going to rot as (I assume) there are no fish in there at present.

It's going to be a matter of trial and error because there are many different ways to do it and I guess someone will come along with a better suggestion.

Good luck - and it is worth the wait to have a proper cycled tank!!!!!

 

[RYO]

ask you lfs for some filter media to start you tank.
If you have a pets at home near you they are selling fluval 204s for just over £40,the fluval 4 should be ok but are a pain to clean if you are thinking about a planted tank.

 

[vantgE]

If I had saw this earlier I would have suggested a single hob, a internal filters really aren't great, hobs and cannisters are much better, look at a ac110 or 70 it probally costs about the same or less then adequate internal filtration, and won't blow the fish about as much. But yes generally two filters are better than one. Your tanks about 40 Gallons? the 4 should be fine it's rated for fifty gallons,

I wouldn't suggest fish food, I hear in the uk you can get amonia at a pharmacy, or labratories, if you can't do it with amonia do it with fish

 

[Paul_MTS]

would like to mentioN HOB aren't a huge thing here in the UK.

i think the only ones avaib;e are made by ehiem and would proable be a bit more expesive.

I'ved found alot of my tanks wouldn't be able to use one either with the bracing aorund the tank.

 

[SirMinion]

I don't think I've ever seen a HOB filter except in pictures!
They simply aren't (easily) available here in the UK

Our 4 footer has the internal Jewel filter plus a Fluvel 304 but this is intentional overkill to cope with filthy fish.

I'd go for two external canisters like the 204. That'll do nicely.

 

[basia]

I'm so glad to read the Fluval 204 is silent. I just bought one today - am going to set it up tomorrow. Our internal filter is driving me mad its so noisy.

I cycled our tank with stress zyme in two weeks, now have a few fish and all my test results have been fine.

 

[chishnfips]

Hi cheers for all the replies folks, Going to hopefully fill the tank with water tomorrow I have been so busy, Got a fluval 4 and a wee filter so that should be cool.

and I will try and start the cycle with stress zyme and see how that goes.

cheers again