Filter solution for a 20G

I am wondering if I could or should rather run two small HOBs on my new 20G long than one filter rated for 20G+?

What I do not like about the bigger HOBs is the fact that the intake pipes are quite long, and in the case of a Tetra Whisper rated for 20G, reach the substrate (sand). Also, the flow is quite strong which is not the best for my floaters and CO2 injection.

I am test running an Aqueon QuietFlow10 and rather like it. I think I could get away with two of them and generate a gentle flow yet have enough filter media to compensate for a planned stocking of a handful of BlackSkirt Tetras (let’s make this 7) or two hands full of Neons or Cardinals (10-12). Or worst case scenario: 6 Tetras and 7 Neons.

Am I right or is there anything in this setup that could spell disaster?

Thanks a lot for your input.

 

I would honestly say that one filter rated for 20 gallons should be plenty. If your fish could tolerate it, maybe you should get one rated for 30 gallons. But in my 20 longs I just use a 20 gallon rated HOB.

However, my favorite filter of all time is the Aqueon Internal Power Filter 20. Very reliable. But any you like should work.

The issue is that the two filters may oppose each other, thus doing very little filtering and faster wear and tear.

 

I would run a Seachem Tidal 35 then you wont have an intake pipe at all. Could also just cut the intake pipe of a filter you like a bit shorter and cover the intake with a pre-filter sponge (like the ones they sell on aquarium coop).

In theory you could just run 2 smaller filters, though, depending on which filters youre using, you may be spending more money, using more electricity, and adding more heat to your aquarium. . . maybe not, kind of depends on the filters you go with.

 

also if non of the above options work, and you want to use the 20gal filter not 2 smaller ones you can get a small plastic container and sit it in the sand where the filter intake will be, then your sand wont get suck up but u can still use bigger single filter.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. The Seachem Tidal looks interesting. Lots of simple but useful features. This series went under my radar because I haven’t seen them stocked locally.

I doubt that the Aqueon QuietFlow 10, although rated up to 20G, creates enough flow on a 20L, but maybe I just need to move it into the center and see how things are.

 

So, I decided to keep the QF10 on the 20L for now. Should I decide to move current stock from the 10G to the 20L, the established canister will be added.
Should I decide to get new stock, I’ll under stock.

Should I ever need a new HOB, the Tidal will be high on my list.