Is one AquaClear 300 enough for a 50 gallon?

[Starálfur]

Or should I invest in getting an additional filter? Would I be really limited with the number of fish with just one filter or would it be pretty sufficient to handle the standard 50 gallon stocking options? Would adding another filter give me any substantial increase in bioload capacity?

[excuzzzeme]

Yes. I use a AC70 (300) on my 55 and have no problems. That gives you a turn-over every 10 minutes.

There is no such thing as standard stocking. You will have a Light, medium, or heavy bio-load based on tank size. A secondary filter is a must if you have a heavy load.

What do you wish to stock? How many? Then we could give a much better answer.

[Starálfur]

Yes. I use a AC70 (300) on my 55 and have no problems. That gives you a turn-over every 10 minutes.

There is no such thing as standard stocking. You will have a Light, medium, or heavy bio-load based on tank size. A secondary filter is a must if you have a heavy load.

What do you wish to stock? How many? Then we could give a much better answer.

I'm not 100% certain yet, but I'm leaning toward a betta sorority, with some cories, a couple otos, and a group of tetras like lemons.

I want to have as many fish as I can safely have, and I like variety.

[jpappy789]

Its is sufficient filtration but I personally like to have backups, plus you can never over-filter. Another lower-rated HOB would be fine.

[Riiz]

I'm not 100% certain yet, but I'm leaning toward a betta sorority, with some cories, a couple otos, and a group of tetras like lemons.

I want to have as many fish as I can safely have, and I like variety.

If you want to safely add the maximum, pickup a second filter. Plus you'll have more room for media or whatever you like.

[Starálfur]

Well I'm quite poor. And I like silent ones. I assume the cheapest thing would be those aqua tech ones at walmart, but are those so bad they aren't even worth it?

[jpappy789]

I'm personally a fan of AC's. A 150 or 200 should be enough.

[Riiz]

Well I'm quite poor. And I like silent ones. I assume the cheapest thing would be those aqua tech ones at walmart, but are those so bad they aren't even worth it?

Aquatech is just a rebadged Penguin. I wouldnt suggest them unless you just want something to load up with media. But walmart is a great source for Rite-size cartridges for Penguins, and they used to sell the HOT Magnum under the aquatech name too.

[BoredAgain]

An AC70 (300) may be enough, but I personally use a Rena XP3 and an AC110 (500) on my 55g and wouldn't mind more filtration. ;)

[excuzzzeme]

An AC70 (300) may be enough, but I personally use a Rena XP3 and an AC110 (500) on my 55g and wouldn't mind more filtration. ;)

For someone on a limited budget that is way beyond his needs (although I agree with you).


I wouldn't go lower than an AC30 (150) as you are not gaining enough to warrant cost nor are they big enough to support the tank in the event the other one fails. For about $5.00 more an AC50 (200) would be the best choice for the money spent.

[BoredAgain]

Would an AC50 and a Penguin 350 be too expensive for you?