Emperor 280

[NGerdes]

For my new 29 gal that I am gonig to be setting up, I purchased an Emperor 280 filter. Will this be enough, not enough, to much, over filter but good? Just some opinions. Thank you in advance for answers...

[cle_tribe]

I have learned a general mathematical formula to answer this. Multiply you tank size by 5 ( in your case, 29 X 5 = 145 ). You want to filter at least 5 times the size of your tank. Filters usually have a number associated with them ie. emporer 280. This number tells you how many gallons it filters in 1 hour. Since you need a minimum of 145 gallons filtered per hour and the filter will handle 280 gallons per hour, you seem to have enough. Personally, I have never heard of too much filtration. Hope this helps

[NGerdes]

I thought it would be more than enough, but since it was one of the only filters that didn't say right on box "up to 60 gallons" or whatever, I figured I'd come and check. Thanks for the quick reply.

[cle_tribe]

No problem, but make sure you get others opinions. I am realatively new to aquariums as I have only had them for two years, so I am still learning.

[gutterguppy]

I really think that it depends on fish load. I have one 29 with an emperor 280 that houses some young rainbows. The water stays clean.

However, I also have a 29 that I'm using to grow out 6 fantail goldfish. I have an emperor 400 on this tank, because I think that the goldfish are messier fish.

But, if you find that the emperor 280 isn't enough for your fish load, its real easy and cheap to throw a sponge filter and air pump on the tank, and there are many other ways of getting more filtration.

[NGerdes]

What, if anything do you use in the additional empty cartridge that is provided with the filter???

[BK]

i use an extra filter cartridge (a newer one after an older one) or the cell pore cartridges in the extra slot.

[Allison Reed]

I have colonized sponge filters i dont use anymore. I cut them up ad stuff them in the little boxy thing in my emperor :D Keeps the water a tad cleaner, i'd think.

[NGerdes]

Just want to tell everyone thanks for the help....

I'll be back with more questions as my set up continues, this board has been very helpful to me, and has probably saved lives (fish) Thanks again...

[NJ Devils Fan]

Yea, the Emp 280 will be fine on that tank. It's a great filter and you shouldn't have any problems with it.