Redox600

Hey hey!
What is the optimum/recommended flow rate on a filter per gallon of tank size? I'm setting up a 55 gal tank and want to buy an Eheim Ecco, but am not sure which model to buy. The manufacturers spec seems to be less gph than what many people on the forum recommend.

Thanks.

COBettaCouple

I think the gph needed is different for tanks with canister filtration, but I'm not sure. With other filtration, I try to get at least about 10 gph per gallon.

steveangela1

I have the eheim ecco 2236? its the one for up to 60g on my 55 I also have a penguin biowheel 350 going on the tank to get extra filitration, together they keep my 55 sparkling.. on my 36 I went to the ecco for the 35 but put a larger penguin on it (the 250) and it stays the same way.
For my 58g I am going to get the ecco for the 80 and a penguin 250 (only because the 58g is 36 inches long and 18 wide and the hob filter and the ecco going in won't have a lot of space)....

btw my tanks are heavily stocked african cichlid tanks, I do vaccuming once a week and a few days after I vaccum I do a waterchange so they get 2 waterchanges a week and one good cleaning...

MCHRKiller

HOBs require a more hefty GPH due to their little amount of media, they dont have near the colonization ability as a canister thus they must push alot more water to sort of compensate for it. Canisters operate on a slower frame due to having more media they give your water more contact time with it. Most filter companies as we all know tend to horribly over rate their filters ability. With that said depending on your stock which model I would suggest. If you plan on smaller fish and a lighter bioload get the model up to your tank size, and if you plan to have a heavier stock go for the one over your tank size. With that said I would also pair the canister with a moderate sized HOB such as an Emp280, Penguin 350, or AC70(something in the 300GPH range) to add some extra filtration and current at the opposite end of the canister.

Redox600

Thanks for the replys. I want to avoid using a HOB/HOT filter for aesthetic and maintenance reasons. I think I will get a filter that has a rating above my tank size.
Cheers.

Butterfly

As long as the filter doesn't make the water too rough you can never over filter as far as I can see.
Carol

Dark_Rider2k3

so my LFS was right :O

I got my HOB filter (AquaClear filter), and they told me to either go with 2 of the model 70 (rated up to 70gal, but my LFS told me that they only use them up to 50), or go with the next up model (which I think was the 100). At first I thought they were just trying to get me to spend more $$'s, but apparently i'm wrong!