Do I Need To Upgrade My Filter?

Hi,
I have recently upgraded to a 29 gal and its ~97% stocked according to AqAdvisor. However the aquarium filtration capacity is rated at ~90%. I have two HOB filters running from the previous 5.5 gal and 10 gal aquariums - Top Fin 10 rated at 90 gph (from the PetSmart Top fin 5.5 g kit) and a Fluval C2 rated at 119 gph respectively. The HOB filters have undergone the following modifications while they were running previously:

Top fin 10: Removed all the carbon from the sponge cartridge and filled it with Fluval Biomax ceramic media.

Fluval c2: The chemical filtration chamber is filled completely with Fluval Biomax ceramic media.

So most of my fishes are still juveniles and I think that is why my water conditions are still doing OK - Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0, Nitrates < 10. I change ~50% water every week.

Do I need to upgrade my filter in the long run? If so what would be more appropriate - the likes of Fluval c4 OR a canister filter (no idea about the model though).

Thank you.

 

You want to shoot for 10x filtration. Some say you can do less than that with canisters but I don't like suggesting that as many canisters will decrease flow rate after the media is added. So basically you want 290 gph total filtration. I'd suggest replacing the small canister with something along the lines of an aqueon quietflow 30 or aquaclear 50. If you wanted to spend some money you could do a canister. A sunsun 303/403 would get the job done...probably be a little over filtered. 302/402 might be better.

 

If you get a new filter whether it be canister or HOB also think about the future...perhaps you might think about upgrading to a bigger tank and thus you might want to get a filter that you can move along later in the future.

I have to upgrade mine as well and certainly got me thinking whether I should get a bigger one.

 

Thank you very much. Yes, I am aligned to upgrade my Fluval C2 to a C4 (~264 gph) and run it in addition to the Top Fin 10, but wanted to get a second opinion. That will make it a bit easier for me to transfer all the bio media from the C2 to the C4 without much hassle.

 

If you get a new filter whether it be canister or HOB also think about the future...perhaps you might think about upgrading to a bigger tank and thus you might want to get a filter that you can move along later in the future.

I have to upgrade mine as well and certainly got me thinking whether I should get a bigger one.

Yeah, you are absolutely right about that and I was thinking about the same thing - making it future proof should I upgrade later on . Thanks.

 

Hi,
I have recently upgraded to a 29 gal and its ~97% stocked according to AqAdvisor. However the aquarium filtration capacity is rated at ~90%. I have two HOB filters running from the previous 5.5 gal and 10 gal aquariums - Top Fin 10 rated at 90 gph (from the PetSmart Top fin 5.5 g kit) and a Fluval C2 rated at 119 gph respectively. The HOB filters have undergone the following modifications while they were running previously:

Top fin 10: Removed all the carbon from the sponge cartridge and filled it with Fluval Biomax ceramic media.

Fluval c2: The chemical filtration chamber is filled completely with Fluval Biomax ceramic media.

So most of my fishes are still juveniles and I think that is why my water conditions are still doing OK - Ammonia - 0, Nitrites - 0, Nitrates < 10. I change ~50% water every week.

Do I need to upgrade my filter in the long run? If so what would be more appropriate - the likes of Fluval c4 OR a canister filter (no idea about the model though).

Thank you.

I watched a review. It is 350 gph. They say it is equally efficient as a canister. Will be ordering one tonight.

 

I watched a review. It is 350 gph. They say it is equally efficient as a canister. Will be ordering one tonight.

Seems like an awesome find. 350 gph is probably overkill for my 29 gal but I will take a closer look at it.

 

Seems like an awesome find. 350 gph is probably overkill for my 29 gal but I will take a closer look at it.

I'm putting on my 29. You can reduce flow by 80%

 

I am glad that you have done all the research on the product, I myself cannot do that until I am home by tonight. That is really a very useful feature indeed.

 

I am glad that you have done all the research on the product, I myself cannot do that until I am home by tonight. That is really a very useful feature indeed.

Anytime! Ha

 

Anytime! Ha

Couldn't resist reading up and watching a few reviews on youtube (sneaking at work ). ****, this seems like a fantastic product aaaaand I am sold.... Thanks for the heads up before I went ahead for the C4.

 

Couldn't resist reading up and watching a few reviews on youtube (sneaking at work ). , this seems like a fantastic product aaaaand I am sold.... Thanks for the heads up before I went ahead for the C4.

Good deal! I can not wait to get mine in.

 

Good deal! I can not wait to get mine in.

Did you get the Tidal? I received mine yesterday but have not installed it yet. I was wondering how do you plan to cut off the surface skimming feature while feeding the fish? I read everywhere that it cannot be turned off completely and sucks in floating food. Do you think if a small sponge can be adhered in front of the skimming intake, will it prevent floating food from instantly being sucked in? I do not want to turn off my filter every time I feed my fish....

 

Couldn't resist reading up and watching a few reviews on youtube (sneaking at work ). , this seems like a fantastic product aaaaand I am sold.... Thanks for the heads up
before I went ahead for the C4.

I posted a review here. My 29 tank preview and a plug in video. It is titled Seachem 75 tidal