kacie

My 20g is a startup kit from petsmart and I feel like the amount of water being pumped through the powerhead is very minimal. Just a trickle of water returns and now that I have so many fish and decor in there it is not doing a good enough job. should I add an airstone, sponge filter or get a new filter altogether?

i'd also like to upgrade my lighting does anyone have any cheap options i should try?

Thank you

prairielilly

I've read that 1) your filtration should turn over your tank volume 7-8X per hour 2) airstones disturb the surface and therefore allow for more gas exchange, but don't actually do anything for the filtration, and 3) more filtration than absolutely necessary is usually better.

In my 20g I use an airstone just bc the fish seemed happier, and my filter turns over the tank volume 7.5X/h (150g/h).

Some more experienced members may have more advice...

TropicalGrimmish

I personally would add a small 10gal powerhead for current & gas exchange, i'd go with a 30 or 40 gal power filter by marineland "bio wheel" or aqua clear, no such thing as over filtration.

kacie

Okay, if I changed to a more powerful filter what is the quietest cheapest filter? My husband hates the noise of my penguin biowheel and likes how quiet the topfin is so if I change it it must be quiet or I'm in real trouble.

TropicalGrimmish

than try a tetra,aqua clear or eheim power filter, bio wheel do make some noise. I would go with aqua clear personally.

AlyeskaGirl

I've got an aquaclear 50 on my 20 gallon and it works great!!! Lots of current and keeps the tank water clear.