Butters

Hey, I was wondering how some one would go about getting a new filter for an already running tank. My filter isnt broken, but its rated at 125gph for a 20 gallon tank... maybe not enough. I'm thinking that I'll get a new filter once I get most of the fish settled in and when I have enough cash to spend on a new filter. I was just wondering what the best way to do this would be. thanks!

mrsmuffin

I had to switch filters a while back when mine quit working. I just used the old filter media in the new filter for a while - but it helped that they were the same size. You could just add the old media in somewhere either in the new filter or hang it in the tank somewhere until you get some bacteria built up in the new filter.

clinton1621

You could also just buy a "twin" of your current filter and run two of the same kind... this will be the correct flow rate for your tank and it will also add more filtration and media for your bacteria to live in, it will increase your aeration as well which is always good =)

Butters

thanks for the advice guys, appreciate it. I thought about doing that double thing, but I'm worried about the current. Its really strong in my other one and it goes all the way down to the bottom. I think I'll add some fake plants that attach the the side of the aquarium to break up the flow so it wont be so strong, at least thats what I do with my 10 gallon tank. Any other advice would help, thanks again!

Tavel

If heavy flow is your problem, then two filters running at lower outputs, or one very large filter running at low output, is the way to go. But with two smaller filters, you actually end up with more media for the same flowrate, the flowrate is split between the two outputs so it's not as strong in any given place, and you can clean the filters alternately to keep the cycle strong.

then you also have a redundancy built in should one of them jam up or something while you're not around.

I personally only have one large filter running at low output. but if I was equipping again, i would definitely go with two smaller filters.

COBettaCouple

If your filter flow is too strong, you can buffer it with filter sponges also.