View Full Version : Filtration
nate_lockhart
12-28-2003, 5:16 PM
I am just getting started into aquariums again (had one when I was a kid), and I just have a very simple question (I think). Is it ever possible to have too much filtration? Could there be any harm in say, a 30-40 gal filter on a 10-gal tank (besides to the pocketbook)? Just wondering because I am wanting to start with a few fish in a ten gallon tank, and when I move into a bigger place, upgrade to maybe a 29 gal tank or bigger. Would there be any harm If I just bought the filter for the larger tank now and used it on the 10 gal?
jeffro426
12-28-2003, 5:26 PM
I dont really think theres a limit on filtration(within reason) anyways, but i dont think your gonna have any problems with a 30-40 on a 10 gallon tank...if its too much you can always turn the water volume knob down to reduce the amount of flow...why not start out with the 29 gallon tank to begin with?? IT will give MANY more options for fish and i think it will in the long run be much more enjoyable. Shop around, you can get 20-30 gallon tanks for next to nothing sometimes!
125gJoe
12-28-2003, 5:30 PM
Filtration will also effect water flow. Some fish like faster moving water, and some don't.. I agree to try and start with a larger tank. Larger aquariums are more 'forgiving' with problems in the water. You can choose from a greater variety of fish and plants. The expense is not much from a 10 gallon tank and filters, to say a 40 gallon set-up.. :)
nate_lockhart
12-28-2003, 9:17 PM
I really do want to start with a larger tank. I've heard that they are more forgiving. It is unfortunately more a space and a roommate problem moreso than it is a want for a smaller tank. I anticipate moving in the next year tho. I was thinking that perhaps when I do move and get a larger tank setup, then the 10 gal can become an isolation and transition tank (for any bullies and to avoid bringing in new fish with disease, of course). I have an undergravel filter for the 10 gal I could use then, but I really prefer a power filter, so that is why I am looking into my options now. Anyways, good points and good help. Thanks a lot.
MeAirlinePilot
12-28-2003, 9:28 PM
There is no such thing as too much filteration...There is, however, such thing as too much water current.
Curious, what do you mean by "40g filter"? What is its flow rate?
125gJoe
12-29-2003, 7:33 AM
Originally posted by yhbae
Curious, what do you mean by "40g filter"? What is its flow rate?
Could only mean a filter rated for a 40 gallon aquarium.
NJ Devils Fan
12-29-2003, 8:27 AM
I would go with something between 100 and 150 ghp. Do not go by what the filter is rated for, but by how many gallons per hour it filters. I would get an Aqua Clear 150. Good filter and you could use it if you upgrade to a 20g tank.
Slappy*McFish
12-29-2003, 11:49 AM
I run an AC200 on my 10 gallon plant tank and water current is not a problem. Usually I run it at the lowest flow rate, but when I clean the tank, I'll crank it up to the highest rate to help clear out the 'kicked-up debris' caused from the cleaning process. I have the filter packed with 3 sponges and clean them every two weeks.
Aqua Clear 200 at highest setting in my 15g, and no problem at all. It even has another sponge filter just in case the filter fails...
LMOUTHBASS
12-29-2003, 2:49 PM
as to much filtration!
125gJoe
12-29-2003, 5:14 PM
Originally posted by Slappy*McFish
I run an AC200 on ........ I have the filter packed with 3 sponges and clean them every two weeks.
Just wondering.. Is there a reason not to be using "filter floss" in that filter?
Slappy*McFish
12-29-2003, 5:23 PM
The only reason I can think of is the fact that floss clogs fairly quickly and these filters are prone to overflowing if they become too clogged. I have actually used floss in mine before, but 3 sponges are usually sufficient for mechanical as well as biological filtering needs.
Although slightly different topic, I have a question related to the use of sponges in AquaClear (200 to be exact). Recently, one of them started to act weirdly - the sponge rises up by about an inch or so after few days of use! This causes the cover to be displaced from where it is supposed to be, and more importantly, the top sponge gets exposed out of the water... I only use 2 sponges...
Any ideas why this is happening?