Questions Regarding Gph

Hi, hope everyone is doing well. I’m setting up a 50 gallon tank that I recently bought. I measured the dimensions from inside the tank and it turns out to be a 45 gallon tank and if I subtract the whole filtration panel that is along the back of the tank, it comes out to 35 gallons . Basically I’m working with 35 gallons since that’s the space the fish will actually occupy. My question is I have two return pumps, each 260 gph. Does the gph add up(520) or does it stay separate? I think it would add up and if it does, it should be more than sufficient gph for a 35 -45 gallon tank correct? I read it’s recommended to have 8x the filtration for HOB filters and 5x for canisters . What category would this setup fall in?



Please let me know what’s up, thanks

 

Gph of multiple filters does add up so I think you've got plenty of filtration.

I think the difference thing with external filters is because they usually contain loads of filter media. Yours looks like you could have tons of media in there so I would count it as an external filter for this.

 

Okay, Thanks. Yeah I can add a lot of media. I also need help with that. I have no idea as how to go about doing the filtration, like how and what I should put in the mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration and in what order I should put these stages in. Should I make a separate thread for that or could can I do it here?

 

Basically you have a built in sump system, so yeah it will hold a bunch of media. On of the keys to a sump system is it adds to your water capacity, so the tank will still be able to hold near the fish stock that a regular 45 gallon would be able too. Taking size of the adult fish into consideration.

 

Just my 2 cents. If you really wanted a 50 gallon, and wound up with a 35 and settled..... I would return or sell it and get what you actually want. It will be fun to setup but you'll still wind up wanting a larger tank. Your difference in stocking options between a 35 and 50-55 are kinda substantial.

 

Yep, you've got an all-in-one, commonly used for reef tanks. Yes, you'll have plenty of room for customized filtration and you'll be able to hide your heater back there too. Looks like an excellent tank you've got there and your display will be equipment free. Congratulations on a great score.

So, as far as filtration goes, I generally set it up in this order. First, mechanical filtration. This will be your sponges, filter pads, floss. You could set it up in layers, or even get some in-tank media baskets to help make this stuff more accessible for cleaning. Second, biofiltration, and you could also have a variety here too, perhaps even keep some Matrix down deep and never touch it, hoping for an eventual anaerobic bacteria colony to grow that will reduce nitrates. Media bags will help keep this stuff manageable and accessible. Third, any chemical filtration like carbon, Phosguard, Purigen and the like. Keep in mind that you'll need clearance back there for pumps and heaters, but you should still have plenty of room to customize your filtration.

You may want to look into media baskets and dividers to direct flow in the back pretty much any way you want. Again, you may have an easier time understanding how these all-in-one compartments work if you look at reefy setups. BulkReefSupply and Marine Depot would be good places to look at media baskets and such.