frogster221

im going to be getting a 55 gallon aquarium with everything included and i wanted to know if i needed to buy a better filter. sorry i dont know exactly what type of filter it is that i will be getting. i do know that it is a hang on back filter that it is brand new and that it has 2 outlets for water. the box says its rated for a 50 to 60 gallon tank but ive read threads about people having 2 of these or a canister filter or a powerhead with a prefilter on it. thanks in advance.

FL CommunityFans

You need something that says it filters 550 gph (gallons per hour). If it's rated for 50-60 gallons. odds are it does 250-300gph. You would need a second filter. Or you could buy an overrated filter (meaning a much larger filter rated at 550 gph) and move your old filter to a 20-30gallon tank in the future.

also, it'd help if you could list the filter you have. Could very easily tell ya what to do next.

frogster221

as soon as i buy the tank with the filter ill be sure to tell you

frogster221

quick question on my 20 gallon tank i have a filter rated up to 150 gph and it works great do i really need a bigger filter i have a very tight budget

COBettaCouple

That would be ok.. it's pretty close.

frogster221

i found the filter but then i forgot the name of it but i do remember that the gph was 400 its only 150 gph off would that be ok? or should i still invest in a powerhead or another small filter

COBettaCouple

It's doable, but I'd add more filtration when possible.

frogster221

if i have enough money ill buy a small filter from walmart or something cheap

FL CommunityFans

150gph penguin for 19$ + shipping.

frogster221

no credit cards or check ill check out the lfs though

Trpimp147

i'd suggest just waiting for a little while set 5 bucks aside and get one that filters like 200+ then youll be over filtered and have to clean the filters less and more bio filtraion in the tank helps always.

frogster221

ok ill do that asap

Trpimp147

thats what i suggest its up to you. i have an emporer 400 (400gph) and a penguin 350 (350) and power head for 280

frogster221

ok well it all depends on the cost ill do what i can

a&j's_tank

i run a bio wheel, and the filter that came with my tank....and i love it

i just do small water changes...and my tank is always clean

btw...i am gonna add another bio-wheel soon and take out the other off brand filter

Trpimp147

i prefer over filtering, that lets me skip a week if needed on a water change i usly do a 30-50% water change tho. i make sure i clean the gravel good at first then let it take out some water.