JWalker

Hi All,

I have a 55 Gallon tank with the following filters.

1. Aqua Clear 300 - Old type (300 GPH)
2. SunSun HJ-952 submersible pump\filter - 800 LPH (211gph) using it as an aerator\power head

Is this sufficient and is the flow\ water movement okay for the fish, i.e. not a too heavy flow for the fish ?

lew2000

For freshwater tank you want to have at least 8X turnover of the water volume in your tank - 450-500gph. And manufacturers state max efficiency, once you add any type of media the output is reduced. The output of the SunSun if it is diffused via a spray bar or some other means is fairly high if directly into the aquarium (dependent upon the tanks dimensions) and unless the fish come from fast moving streams, probably to much unless diffused throughout the tank. So imho you need to add additional filtration even if the tank is lightly stocked. But obviuosly the best way to identify if your tank is fitered ebougn versus bio-load is when ammonia and nitrites are at 0ppm. I just find it best to build out to the maximum filtration (10-12x) then i don't have any worries in that reagrd. Hope this helps.

JWalker

Thanks Lew2000.

Just abit of help here please. my tank dimensins are 48" long x 18" wide x 18" high.

I have the SunSun blowing bubbles at the moment using the air tube supplied with the filter. it is located at the back of the tank blowing bubbles from one end to the other length wise. I am not using the spray bar.

Is this too fast for the fish and should i consider changing the flow pattern ?

2nd i taught that the pump can only be used directly in the water i.e. submersed ?

Thanks in advance

lew2000

You are right, the SunSun is a submersible pump. Sorry if i confused you. As to blowing bubbles end-to-end, that would depend upon how you have configured your tank. if you have decorations/plants/rock as places to hide toward the cenetr or front of the tank then i would think the flow shouldn't effect the fish. That being said, if the fish are getting tumbled around because they sometimes get caught in the flow, or the flow hits the far end and then creates a large agitated flow area in the corner i would use some type of diffuser. Your deffinitely getting good water mixture.

JWalker

Thanks lew2000 one more Q, what type of diffuser would you recommend and do you possibly have a picture as i am not sure if you are talking about the spray bar supplied with the SunSun.

Thanks for the assistance, the LFS doesnt know too much unfortunately to give me help.

lew2000

You can try the spray bar that comes with the pump. Personall i have my spray bars aimed just below the surface of the tank; back to front. However, since your also mixing air, what about from the bottom of the back and aimed up? Do you have a Petco or Petsmart nearby. They usually have tubing, diffuser kits, etc. This way you can actually bring some of your tubing look at the fit and it looking at the variuos types you will get an idea as to how you want to configure.

JWalker

Thanks Lew2000. Unfortunately i live in South Africa and we dont have any of those stores. I will look around for a few more stores to see which has a better variety of equipment.