Filter Question

Like you I like to have a back up filter on the tank...but I would be very cautious of over-filtering your tank. I would say your filter would be fine, but if you would feel more at ease by adding an extra filter, such as the sponge filter you mention, then I would say there shouldnt be too much of a problem with that.

Hope this helps,
Michael.

What kind of filter is it?

Welcome...

Accesscard, to Aquaria Central, home of the most helpful fishkeepers on the internet

I would say you'd be doing alright with just a single filter. Regents are an after market filter -- I'm guessing you bought it at wal-mart -- that I think is made Whisper. They have a less than sterling reputation, not because they don't work, but because they die quickly (a good filter should last 10 years), and they are noisier. So, I'd save your money and be ready to buy another filter in another year or so, something like an AquaClear 200 or 300.

Val

Again, what is the filter that is on the tank now?

i have one. it came with the 55gal tank kit from walmart. i have a emperor on the 55 and the regent went on a 29. its almost as big as the emperor but it doesnt have a bio-wheel and it has
no extra space for adding media. a friend just gave me another one
but it is ridiculously noisy. will see if replacing the impeller from the newer quiet one solves the problem.
if i get a chance to tear down the 29 anytime soon i will put a ugf system in it. but right now the plants in the tank are my backup biofilter.

to answer the question: the regent probably pulls 300gph. [if walmart thinks it can handle a 60 gallon tank.]

you're going to run out of room on the back of your tank if you try to put something big on there.

i'd suggest running a different length suction tube that way the currents are pulling at a different level in the tank.

Just my two cents worth:

Your desire for a second filter as backup is good. Not only in the short term just in case the Regent goes haywire, but also for later on if you decide to set up a second tank. The second filter will eliminate the need for a traditional cycling period.

As for what that filter should be, I would recommend a sponge filter, but air-driven as opposed to powerhead-driven. The flow will be slightly less, but you won't get a lot of unneeded current and the biological filtration will be just as active. Rena air pumps are the quietest by far, and there are a number of sponge filters available that are (1) inexpensive and (2) very effective. I'd suggest you go to one of the on-line retailers (Big Al's or Drs. Foster & Smith) to get the best deal on both pump and sponge.

I use the HOB/sponge filter combo on many of my tanks, and although there is some noise from the bubbling (RTR, just cover your ears ) the overall effectiveness is good.

Out of curiosity how would you attach the sponge filter and powerhead? I am a little confused as to how this would be done to say the least.

Ever wondering,
Michael.