Which One?

[fishieperson321]

Which filter is best? I can get any of the following so please tell me any opinions. I have a 20 gallon tank with two juvenile fantail goldfish.

[Dangerdoll]

my honest opinion would be to double up on the filtration of the tank and try to get the very very least, a 30 gallon tank for the 2 fish. A 20 will not be able to sustain them forever. With that filtration listed and a 20 gallon tank, your water changes will be ubelievably frequent and that's IF you are able to stabilize your tank for long.

[br553]

I personally like the older model Penguin 330. It has the adjustable flow control which comes in handy during feeding time. The media baskets are good for adding additional biomedia. I currently have a 330 on my 20 gallon with an adult calico oranda and a juvenile black moor. In my opinion, if you can find a 330, you should go with that. It would give you 16.5x filtration.

[fishieperson321]

Would a Penguin 170 be okay? I already have one of those!

[br553]

Unfortunately, it would not have enough capacity by it's self since it would only turn over 8.5 times per hour. The minimum filter capacity for a 20 gallon goldfish tank would be 200 gallons per hour. The Penguin 200 meets that, but it's best to have a filter with more than 200 GPH because as the filter and pads begin to clog with debris, the capacity is reduced.

[fishieperson321]

Do you happen to be a member of Koko's Goldfish Forum? Is that where you got the 10x filtration rule from? I have some belief that if you have a bio wheel that you don't have to have 10x filtration. I can get an AquaClear easily. A model 200.
www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum

[chaibill]

if that is supose to ta aquacler i would get that on 50 or so

[br553]

Yes, I am and that's where I picked up the 10x guideline. I think the rule may be meant more for debris removal. If you have enough biofilter capacity, and your parameters are always 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 20 or less on nitrate, then you could probably get by with a lower flowrate, although I personally would not. The main reason I stick to the 10x or greater rule is I don't use airstones except during the summer and because of what I have read on the other forum that goldfish need 10x or better filtration. The Aquaclear model 200, which is the same as the current model 50 would be enough for 2 goldies in a 20 gallon tank

[fishieperson321]

I always use my Penn-Plax Clear Free Corner Cartridge Air Filter, too. That is part of the reason I feel I can go for a slightly lower flow rate.

[tks4d2]

I would go with aquaclear

[fishieperson321]

I just got a MIllennium 2000 and I recommend it to EVERYONE!! My water has never been cleaner and clearer. I was going to add Crystal Clear to clear up my water but I no longer have to!! I love it and it was cheap $22.49! :)