Is 260gph too much for 20 gallon high?

[Rfinner]

I wanted to put a canister filter on my tank and the one id like to get only starts at 260gph. Is this too much flow? It will be planted heavily and will have some tetras, a pair of rams, and some other misc algae eaters

 

[BigManAquatics]

May be too much flow for the fish. And i wouldn't put a pair of rams in a 20 tall. That tank could get real ugly if they breed.

 

[NotSoAggressiveAquatics]

As long as the flow isn’t to much theres no such thing as to much filtration

 

[Redviper]

I wanted to put a canister filter on my tank and the one id like to get only starts at 260gph. Is this too much flow? It will be planted heavily and will have some tetras, a pair of rams, and some other misc algae eaters

Actual flow from a packed filter is about half the box rating. As far as the filters exhaust, it can be tamed based on the type of hardware you use, like a spray bar or spin pipe (if you can find one). Of course there are other factors to consider, like the size and shape of your aquarium and hiding places.

 

[Sauceboat]

You could probably manage it using similar methods as stated above. But largely I'd say that a canister filter is just unnecessary for 20 Gallons given the expense and power. Usually they are recommended for 55 and up, 75 depending on who you are talking too. Do you just not like the aesthetic of HOBs or Sponge Filters?

 

[Redviper]

You could probably manage it using similar methods as stated above. But largely I'd say that a canister filter is just unnecessary for 20 Gallons given the expense and power. Usually they are recommended for 55 and up, 75 depending on who you are talking too. Do you just not like the aesthetic of HOBs or Sponge Filters?

Since I've been looking at HOB's for a 10g QT lately I haven't been very impressed by the ones I've looked at. Also, and this isn't a dig at you personally Sauceboat, I never bring up cost in what I suggest or opine about. There's no way of knowing what somebody else can or is willing to spend on the hobby.

 

[Sauceboat]

Since I've been looking at HOB's for a 10g QT lately I haven't been very impressed by the ones I've looked at. Also, and this isn't a dig at you personally Sauceboat, I never bring up cost in what I suggest or opine about. There's now way of knowing what somebody else can or is willing to spend on the hobby.

Of course, I just wanted to point out that it may not be necessary to achieve maximum filtration efficiency, particularly considering the size of a 20 gallon. If someone want to buy a canister filter, by all means buy a canister filter. And I like to include cost factors in most of my suggestions or opinions simply because personally it is a huge factor in my decision making process and so I like when others can point me towards more affordable options. Of course if someone isn't too concerned about cost they are welcome to spend however much they want (I know I spend more than anyone in my family thinks is reasonable on plants haha) but I figure there's no harm in throwing out more information.

 

[Redviper]

Understood, Sauce. It's my fault that I can't remember that while an online conversation may feel as if it's with a person that right down the street, it may actually be with someone on the opposite side of the globe. Where I grew up and matured it's considered taboo to be seen as "trying to spend someone elses money" and potentially a precursor to some form of chicanery.

My wife is very different (coming from another state) when it comes to things financial, which is why she controls the family finances, and why I have a budget for things I tend to spend hard on. When I exceed that budget I have to make a case for why I want said item. It's fun watching my wifes eyes dart from side to side as I mentally whiteboard the need for a budget-busting computer FRU or some such. Weird maybe, but this family ritual has become entertaining and enriching for us both over the years.

 

[Islandvic]

Just throw a sponge filter and an Aquaclear 30 or Silenstream 20 HOB on it.

 

[Rfinner]

Thanks for everyones help Im just going to get a hob filter

 

[JPH1970]

Thanks for everyones help Im just going to get a hob filter

What brand?