How Much Filtration Is Enough?

Discussion in 'Filters and Filtration' started by onelovie, May 31, 2005.

  1. onelovie

    onelovieValued MemberMember

    I have a 55 gallon freshwater tank with a canister filter but I was thinking of adding a second (power) filter. Is it possible to have too much filtration on a tank? It doesn't seem like it...but I'm relatively new to this hobby. Thanks for your help.
     
    May 31, 2005
    #1
  2. Mike

    MikeFishloreAdmin Moderator Member

    One of my 55's is utilizing a canister and power filter. I use the two filters with the intake tubes situated on opposite ends of the tank, because I have some larger fish in that tank (a few large angelfish and a pleco). It lets you have more surface area for biological filtration and the bonus is better mechanical filtration.
     
    May 31, 2005
    #2
  3. OP
    OP
    onelovie

    onelovieValued MemberMember

    Wow, thanks for the quick reply! I'm new to this site, this is awesome.
     
    May 31, 2005
    #3
  4. Mike

    MikeFishloreAdmin Moderator Member

    Hey onelovie, welcome to the site!
     
    Jun 2, 2005
    #4
  5. Butterfly

    ButterflyModeratorModerator Member

    Usually you try to filter 10 times the volume of your tank, on the filter box it comes in it usually will say --- gph(gallons per hour). Two filters makes a world of difference.
    Hope that helps.
    Carol
     
    Aug 28, 2005
    #5
  6. Jessie_Lynn

    Jessie_LynnValued MemberMember

    Exacty... you should always have a more powerful filter for your tank. For example instead of getting a 10 gallon filter for your ten gallon tank you should get the next more powerful filter available maybe a 20 gallon filter.
     
    Oct 17, 2005
    #6
  7. dano569

    dano569Valued MemberMember

    this is very true i have 2 330 gph filters on both my 55's.it does make alot of difference.on my 20 i have a 125 gph and then a whisper 5-15 which i'm guessing is a 60 gph.i have the smaller one running in case i ever have to use it on the hospital tank,it will already have the bacteria on it.[thanks butterfly and isabella for the advice] ;) :D ;D 8) :-*
     
    Dec 14, 2005
    #7
  8. wilfie

    wilfieNew MemberMember

    short of causing a "Tsunami" in your tank

    the more filtration (thus turbulence) you have the more surface turbulance
    you'll have allowing more dispersion of carbon dioxide
    ant more absorption of oxygen
    this will give you a cleaner tank

    and will allow you to add more fish

    Wilfie
     
    Feb 3, 2006
    #8
  9. Butterfly

    ButterflyModeratorModerator Member

    You still don't want to overstock your tank. While it may have a higher levels of oxygen concentration with more filtration an over stocked tank will have a higher level of disolved solids(or waste) and these will raise your Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrate levels which are lethal to your fish.
    Carol
     
    Feb 3, 2006
    #9