filter

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pinklouelen

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Aug 8, 2007
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I'm trying to set up a new tank and I need to buy myself a filter. I'm getting fancy goldfish and I'd prefer to get something which will keep em cleanish.
As I understand under gravel are ok but there are better ones.
What are aire flow box filters like? When I looked there were some cheap ones but I'm not sure if I would also need to buy something else in addition. I can't get to a aquatics shop before the fish arrive (a friend has over stocked her tank). Can I get one the day I put the fish in?
Its all very confusing
Lowri
 
is the tank cycled? if not, then no you need to get a filter first, and cycle the tank.

secondly, what size is the tank?

I dont think a UGF or air box filter alone would suffice. you should buy a HOB or better, a canister.
 
tank is not cycled but my friends is and she is bringing some of her media with her. (not entirely sure what that means
tank is 20g. i'm getting 2 fancys looking at the guidelines i think that will be ok.
such a beginner, when I had fish when I was little i had 2 goldfish in a bowl and they lived 8 years, no filter, no cycling ect.
 
:welcome: As posted the tank should be cycled first, the size of the tank and how many gold fish will determine the kind of filtration you will need...........:)
 
Gold fish are extremely messy. I would advocate for a filtration capably of handeling 2x your tank volume for Goldfish. ie. For a 20G tank with 2 goldfish the ideal situation would be to get a filter-system designed for 40G. <-not required, but it will sure make your life easier! ;)

Heaters are optional, but again ideally I would still acquire one just to maintain a constant temp, albiet a low setting.

The media from your fiend's tank will help in a very big way, but you will still be required to test daily and perform water changes until the tank is fully cycled if placing fish in the tank before the cycle is completed. With enough media, you can be fully up and running in well under a week.

I would recommend a Hang-on-Back (HOB) filter, canisters are deamed better, but the costs are prohibitive. As for what's "better", they are all very good and it is largely a preference amongst users. It's the rating for tank size and GPH that is more critical.

Get yourself a gravel vac and a good water test kit; you'll also need a water conditioner if using tap - Trust me, you WILL need them! :)
 
so if i get a hang on the back would i still need to get an air pump? its all a bit confusing and my pet shop is not the most helpful. (they thought I could get 6 goldfish in my tank)
 
with a HOB filter (hang on back) you dont need an air pump.. although you can get one if you just want some bubbles for fun.

i agree with getting a filter for 40gallons.. a 20 gallon tank will be a little bit tight for 2 full grown goldfish, so over-filtering would be a good option if you can't get a larger tank.

i would recommend a Top Fin or Whisper brand HOB filter. they're easy to use and Top Fin has lifetime guarantees on their products.
 
plus the two brand mentioned above are general not as costly as others..
if you'd like perhaps use the airpump to power a secondary airpowered filter(box, sponge, etc, but i wouldnt do undergravel)
 
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