Is Chemical Filtration Necessary? Choosing A Filter

I'm setting up a low-tech planted 40 gallon b with CPDs, neon tetras, a BN pleco, and kuhlI loaches. I'm a newbie, so I'm not very experienced or knowledgeable with filtration, but I've heard some people say they just don't use chemical filtration at all. This sounds like it'd be less work and you'd have to spend less money on cartridges and stuff. Does using just biological and mechanical filtration really work efficiently?
Anyway, if you have any suggestions for a filter I'd really appreciate it! I'm on a bit of a budget, so I'd prefer it was on the cheaper end -- especially as far as maintenance goes. I'd prefer a high initial price tag to a higher cost to replace filter media. I was looking at an aquaclear 50 gallons or a marineland penguin for 50-70 gallons. I'm leaning towards the latter because it's cheaper and has a higher GPH, but there may well be a reason that it's cheaper.

 

So you want 8-10x the gph of the size tank if you go with HOBs thus you need a minimum gph of 320 for the 40B. Don't go by what the box recommends since the size they give you is usually bigger than what the filter can handle. Thus if you go with AC filter your gonna need a AC70. Personally I have an AC110 on my 40 breeder! Look at the link of my thread in my signature.

As far as chemical filtration, this is usually refer to the carbon bag. With AC filters you can easily remove the carbon bag. Also the carbon has to be replaced every month. The only thing carbon really does is to clear the water and remove medicine. So you don't really need it. This is where the AC filter is a bit better since by removing the carbon bag(most of us just store it just in case), you can either add more biological or mechanical. I added my biomax from my AC50 and some filter floss to filter the fine particles

 

As far as chemical filtration, this is usually refer to the carbon bag. With AC filters you can easily remove the carbon bag. Also the carbon has to be replaced every month. The only thing carbon really does is to clear the water and remove medicine. So you don't really need it.

I agree with the above concerning the chemical filtration aspect...

On a 40B, with the fish you are keeping, the Aqua Clear 50 would be excellent.

With the aqua clear you really never have to replace the media, unlike filters that utilize cartridges and aqua clears are proven, bullet proof work horses - so you have the initial investment and that's it....

Concerning additional options, many people (myself included) use sponge filters - they are very effective. The cost with an air pump is probably comparable to an aqua clear 50. But you might find a sponge filter is worth consideration.

 

On a 40B, with the fish you are keeping, the Aqua Clear 50 would be excellent.

AC50 is too small for a 40 breeder , you need a minimum of 320 gph. A AC50 only has 200 which is only good for a 20 gallon tank. You want to go with AC70 which has 300 gph which is a bit better.

 

AC50 is too small for a 40 breeder , you need a minimum of 320 gph. A AC50 only has 200 which is only good for a 20 gallon tank. You want to go with AC70 which has 300 gph which is a bit better.

I disagree with you , the fish listed would not require the gph you suggest ...

The 50 series is rated for up to 50 gallons, they make a 20 series for 20 gallons.

In my opinion, the flow rates you suggest are grossly exaggerated and not necessary - no need to try to convince me otherwise or start a debate..... I'm just supplying the original poster with my opinions based on experience which has proven successful for me and I see filtration flow rates much differently than you - I'd never put a Aquaclear 110 on a 40 gallon...

And as I posted, sponge filters are hugely effective and don't produce excessive flow - check out Swiss Tropical, excellent products...

 

I agree with the above concerning the chemical filtration aspect...

On a 40B, with the fish you are keeping, the Aqua Clear 50 would be excellent.

With the aqua clear you really never have to replace the media, unlike filters that utilize cartridges and aqua clears are proven, bullet proof work horses - so you have the initial investment and that's it....

Concerning additional options, many people (myself included) use sponge filters - they are very effective. The cost with an air pump is probably comparable to an aqua clear 50. But you might find a sponge filter is worth consideration.

Do you need a special air pump or one of a certain strength for a sponge filter? I already have a small one and it looks like the sponge parts themselves are really cheap. For an extra few bucks, I wouldn't mind including a small sponge filter at all.

AC50 is too small for a 40 breeder , you need a minimum of 320 gph. A AC50 only has 200 which is only good for a 20 gallon tank. You want to go with AC70 which has 300 gph which is a bit better.

Worst case scenario I have to buy another one to use alongside it or do a lot of water changes. I'm planning on having only 4 CPDs at first and letting them breed a bit (they're goddamn expensive... It's gonna cost me 70 bucks just for the 4 of them!) before I stock it with anything else, so I think I'll definitely be good for a while with just a 50 and a sponge filter. (-:

 

Do you need a special air pump or one of a certain strength for a sponge filter? I already have a small one and it looks like the sponge parts themselves are really cheap. For an extra few bucks, I wouldn't mind including a small sponge filter at all.

All it would require is a very basic pump and most come rated for the size of the aquarium - they are inexpensive.

You would also need to purchase a check valve which prevents water from flowing out of the tank in the event of a power outage. They are inexpensive but are an absolute for me.

I think the Aqua Clear 50 and a sponge is a really great approach....

PLUS, If you ever had the need for a quarantine tank (which you should definitely do), OR a hospital tank OR if you wanted to start a new tank you can use your sponge filter from the 40 which would already be seeded with beneficial bacteria.

 

(they're goddamn expensive... It's gonna cost me 70 bucks just for the 4 of them!)

What! 70 for 4? Theyre 4 bucks each at my lfs

 

No, it's definitely not necessary. I don't run carbon at all. I use AC filters with the mechanical and bio media, with extra filter floss in the middle. No problems! Carbon is really only good if you're trying to remove something specific from the water. Otherwise it's a waste of money.

 

What! 70 for 4? Theyre 4 bucks each at my lfs

I don't have an acceptable LFS, so I have to order them online. Don't worry, i'm not paying 18 bucks a fish haha. Shipping costs a pretty penny and they're 8 bucks a pop online. I normally wouldn't even think about paying that much for a mammal, let alone a fish, but I really like the little guys.