ttyR2

I just picked up a good used 30+ gal tank, and it measures out at 23" wide, 13-3/4" deep (bow front, 9-3/4" at the smallest dimension), and 19-1/2" tall. I figure it's about 30 gal, possibly 35. Any of you better at math than I am?

From what I've read on the forum, it shoulds like I don't really need a UGF, and that a good external canister filter would be the ticket. I'm looking at one of the Penn Plax Cascade 500 units and would rather not deal with bubblers and the like if I can avoid it.

Do the ceramic rings in the filter take over the duties of supporting the bacteria that handles ammonia and nitrate/nitrite reduction?

susitna-flower

Yes, the rings give a place for bacteria to grow. The Penn Plax 500 is rated for a 30 gallon, but if it were me and you haven't already ordered or purchased this filter, I would get one rated for a 55 gallon tank. This one only turns over 185 GPH, and I would feel more comfortable with it processing more water than that, especially if you stock close to the limit.

If it were an Eheim filter you might be able to go closer to the rating on the filter, but I have never used a Penn Plax, so can't say for sure it will be enough. You could always use an Aquaclear HOB filter in addition if it isn't enough.

How are you going to cycle your tank? Fishless? I hope.......

According to the aquarium calculator at the top of this page under 'ARTICLES', your tank should be between 20 and 23 gallons....I used the adverage of 12 inches wide x 23" x 19.5" just plug in these figures and it tells you the gallons in both US and UK

ttyR2

Hrm. A tank with the same design but a couple inches less long than mine was labled as 27gal at Petco. Mine is bigger.

Yes, we'll cycle the tank without any fishies in it.

Are the Eheim filters generally considered better quality? I mentioned Penn Plax as I saw a review of them on this site.