Under filtered?

I would use two filters that size.

I would go with something that holds lots of media and one that is easy to maintnance otherwise its really personal prefrence.

If you like the one you have already get one more of the same and you should be set.

In general I tend to take what the manufacturer says and halve that when looking at filters. That is to say the penn plax 1500 says it can filter a 200g tank, but for me that would be fine for a 100g tank. From my understanding bigger fish generally means more waste being produced so in your case I'd say yeah you could use a bit more. The manufacturers web sight also says the filter is rated for 350 gph, but doesn't say if that's the pump output or actual circulation rate. If that's the pump output the actual circulation rate might only be something like 200gph and for me that's definatly too low for your tank. Assuming your happy with your filter adding another identical one would probably be a good idea. If that's not in the budget atm a large power filter like an AC110 should cost much less and still give you a good boost in filtration.

the option I went with was a canister and an HOB. I recently added an AC30 to my 29 gallon tank in addtion to my Fluval 304. I love it as I have easy access to the filter media in the HOB, so I can add and take out some filter floss easily to get a clearer looking water. Also I like the extra current and surface movement. They do make a bit more noise than a canister though.

You may want to look at the Rena Filstar. Its an excellent canister for the price. I havent had any experience with the cascade canisters but I had a HOB and the seal started to leak under the motor becaue it wasnt a sealed unit. POS went in the trash I never liked it anyway it didnt seem to circulate nearly the same amount of water as my aquaclears did and it was rated the same. If you want to go HOB then I would go with Aquaclear 110's (500's) Ive had great luck with them and dont recomend others due to the lack of media space in them.
Just to give you an idea I have a 90 gallon with 1 oscar, 1 Jack Dempsy, 1 Convict, 1 Salvini, and a spotted pictus catfish and I have 2 aquaclear 500's 1 maraineland Magnum 350 canister, and one Filstar XP3. Its overkill most likely but with the oscar being so messy It doesnt hurt. Theres a general rule when it comes to filtration. You can never have to much!

fish_freak said:

Theres a general rule when it comes to filtration. You can never have to much!

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I agree 100% (as long as your fish don't mind a little current).