Enough filtration?

Blacksheep · May 15, 2004

I have just set up a 45 gal. tank. I used filters off existing tanks, I took down. The 45 now has a Fluval 104, 125 GPH, and a Whisper, 200 GPH. Is this enough filtration, or do I need to invest in a new bigger filter? There will be 2 severums in the 45, not much else. Would appreciate some advise and opions.

Anna

aquariumfishguy · May 15, 2004

Hmmm... well all together, you have a turnover rate of roughly 5x's. This isn't too terribly bad, but it isn't what most prefer either. I like to have an 8-10x turnover rate in my own aquariums. Furthermore, for something like a 45 gallon aquarium, 2 filters might be a little too "in the way" or visible if you know what I mean.

jonah · May 16, 2004

Originally posted by Blacksheep
I have just set up a 45 gal. tank. I used filters off existing tanks, I took down. The 45 now has a Fluval 104, 125 GPH, and a Whisper, 200 GPH. Is this enough filtration, or do I need to invest in a new bigger filter? There will be 2 severums in the 45, not much else. Would appreciate some advise and opions.

Anna

Unless you're keeping something messy like oscars or goldfish, 7x turnover will be more than enough. I wouldn't worry about keeping 2 severums with your turnover level. Just make sure you keep on top of the water changes and they'll be fine. I wouldn't add any more fish though.

aquariumfishguy · May 16, 2004

It would be a 5x turnover, not 7.

But I agree, I dont think the poster has much to worry about, however if they add anything to the aquarium in the future they might want to invest in a new filter which can handle the load all by itself.

LongTime · May 16, 2004

Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
It would be a 5x turnover, not 7.

What did I miss? How did you compute a 5x instead of 7. Granted, I usually cut the gph in half but (200 + 125) / 45 = 7.2. Even 200 / 45 = 4.4 and 125 / 45 = 2.7. Please help me out here!

aquariumfishguy · May 16, 2004

Hmmm thats a good question. Sorry, yeah I did the calculations last night when looking at this thread and I got 2.3 and 3.1 or something like that. So I added it up and it came out to about 5x.

Now that I go back and redo the calculations, it does indeed come out to 7x. Your right, this is plenty filtration for the aquarium you have. And I am sorry for the mix-up.

aquariumfishguy · May 16, 2004

Ahhh I know what I did now. I took 45 and divided it into the GPH instead of doing the opposite. Thats how I came up with those calculations. Again, sorry.

TPIRman · May 16, 2004

The 5x turnover is probably closer to reality, though, because the GPH ratings given by the manufacturer are overly optimistic, and pertain only to perfect conditions with no filter media. As LongTime noted, you should cut the GPH estimate down considerably for real-world conditions. I'd lowball even the 5x estimate.

aquariumfishguy · May 16, 2004

YAY I didn't come off as too incredibly stupid then...

Blacksheep · May 17, 2004

Thanks everyone, That helps. Right now the severums are small. Think I will start saving my money for an Eheim. Have one on my 55 gal. and love it.
Anna


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