Single Or Dual Filters?

So my goldifsh is quite the ammonia producer. He's in a 20 gallon tank. Right now I have an Aquaclear 50 (200 gph) on the tank. I have limited space for HOB filters due to the lid opening, so I was thinking of taking out the 50 and putting in an Aquaclear 30 (150 gph max) and Aquaclear 20 (100 gph max) side by side. Is that a good idea or worse than the single 50?

And I'd cut down my filter media from the 50 and put it in the 30 to preserve bacteria.

Thank you~

 

I would do single canister filter and add additional ammonia pad control trap in media basket ...

 

We use at least two filters on all our aquariums.

Generally HOB with canister.

 

I like my dual sponge setup, one in each corner. They seem to keep the water clear and by having two I can make sure water flow is kept pretty uniform. Also if I ever want another tank or need a quarantine tank I have a spare filter I could take out and use for that.

 

We use at least two filters on all our aquariums.

Generally HOB with canister.

We use at least two filters on all our aquariums.

Generally HOB with canister.

There is no reason to have two sponge filters if you have any filter that is able to turn water around two times in hour no need two filters is just taking space in the tank I have 28 tanks only one I have duel filter because brackish water with puffers..

 

I would do single canister filter and add additional ammonia pad control trap in media basket ...

Thanks! I haven't yet learned a thing about canisters so that's what I'm going to be looking up tonight - totally unfamiliar with them. Have some aquaclears and a bio-wheel but the wheel just sprayed water all over....so I'll take a look at this link. Thanks~

We use at least two filters on all our aquariums.

Generally HOB with canister.

Thank you, too! I honestly know zero about canisters - so I must look this up. Still relatively new to all this and 16 days in have no signs of nitrites...so that's not a good sign. I hear canisters are great for some reason - I'll have to find out why!

I like my dual sponge setup, one in each corner. They seem to keep the water clear and by having two I can make sure water flow is kept pretty uniform. Also if I ever want another tank or need a quarantine tank I have a spare filter I could take out and use for that.

View attachment 412885

So what kind of filters do you have on each side there? Looks like a solid setup - but what are those intake tubes connected to? And why the giant black foam around the intake? I just have a little tiny foam/sponge on mine.

There is no reason to have two sponge filters if you have any filter that is able to turn water around two times in hour no need two filters is just taking space in the tank I have 28 tanks only one I have duel filter because brackish water with puffers..

So you're in favor of one filter that can at least turn the water around 2x an hour? I suppose 200 gph 150 gph and 100 gph all cover that....so you're saying it's overkill?

 

Canister filter will give you more option with media trays also you can easy add another equipment such UV or external heater .. for example

Filtration Setup

• Zigi Zig
• Dec 9, 2017
• 2

Fluval FX-4
Aqua Ultraviolet AAV00070 57-watt UV Sterilizer
Sera Flore Active CO2 Reactor 1000

 

There is no reason to have two sponge filters if you have any filter that is able to turn water around two times in hour no need two filters is just taking space in the tank I have 28 tanks only one I have duel filter because brackish water with puffers..

I liked the uniformity of the look. (OCD)
I liked how I had uniformity between water flow on both sides of the tank.
I liked the option of having a spare if I ever need to put together a quarantine tank or start up a new tank.
I liked the option of having two so I could clean one every other month without too much of an interruption in my bacteria levels.

Just a few things I liked about it. Even though It's overkill for my lil tank, It didn't add much cost wise, just a second $6 filter and a splitter for the incoming air pump line.

 

So you're in favor of one filter that can at least turn the water around 2x an hour? I suppose 200 gph 150 gph and 100 gph all cover that....so you're saying it's overkill?

no I say is taking space in your tank I could easy replace those with plants

I liked the uniformity of the look. (OCD)
I liked how I had uniformity between water flow on both sides of the tank.
I liked the option of having a spare if I ever need to put together a quarantine tank or start up a new tank.
I liked the option of having two so I could clean one every other month without too much of an interruption in my bacteria levels.

Just a few things I liked about it. Even though It's overkill for my lil tank, It didn't add much cost wise, just a second $6 filter and a splitter for the incoming air pump line.

The replacement filter for canister filter that I suggested for him earlier is $4.93 for 3 pack

 

The replacement filter for canister filter that I suggested for him earlier is $4.93 for 3 pack

Multiple ways to skin the kitty!