Filter upgrade question.

B

bmacd

AC Members
Feb 26, 2009
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I have the standard Tetra Whisper 30 HOB filter that came with our tank. I definitely want to upgrade to a larger/better filter. I have been toying with three options and wonder what people here think:

1. Get 1 more Whisper 30 and run 2 of them.
2. Purchase an Aquaclear 70. (I have been leaning towards this option due to reading nothing but great things on the internet from current users and due to its multiple media options).
3. Purchase an Emperor bio-wheel filter. (The guy at my LFS recommended this one).

Also, when I get the new filter, can I just replace the old one with the new one? Wont I be removing the bacteria when I take out the Whisper 30? Can I put the old bio-bag in the new filter or tank for a period of time to get the bacteria going on the new filter?

Sorry if this is really newbie stuff. Thanks so much in advance for any help!
 
either run them both at the same time or transfer media over from the established filter.
 
star_rider said:
either run them both at the same time or transfer media over from the established filter.
Click to expand...

How long should I leave the media in the new filter for? Thanks.
 
From what I heard, you have to keep the media over 2 weeks. (I kept old filter media for 4 weeks and no nitrite or ammonia spike at all.)

Why not running both filter if your current filter isn't too noisy?
I am running 2 filters and use one filter whenever I have to setup QT tank.
 
bmacd said:
How long should I leave the media in the new filter for? Thanks.
Click to expand...


it doesn't take long but many err on the side of caution. longer is better..

you could run them both for about 2 weeks .

if flow is not a major concern(what size tank is this?)
 
june2000 said:
From what I heard, you have to keep the media over 2 weeks. (I kept old filter media for 4 weeks and no nitrite or ammonia spike at all.)

Why not running both filter if your current filter isn't too noisy?
I am running 2 filters and use one filter whenever I have to setup QT tank.
Click to expand...

If I opted for the AquaClear 70, wouldnt that combined with the 30 give me way to much flow? It is a 29 gallon tank.

Do you recommend any of the above filters? Thanks much.
 
star_rider said:
it doesn't take long but many err on the side of caution. longer is better..

you could run them both for about 2 weeks .

if flow is not a major concern(what size tank is this?)
Click to expand...


If I opted for the AquaClear 70, wouldnt that combined with the 30 give me way to much flow? It is a 29 gallon tank.

Do you recommend any of the above filters? Thanks much. Today 1:06 PM
 
I am running 325GPH + 200GPH = 525GPH on 36G tank without any problem.
(Your will be 300GPH (AC70) + 160GPH (Whisper 30) = 460GPH on 29G.)
I believe it depends on the couple of things.

1. Depends on your fish. Some fishes like quite flow. Your fishes might swim too actively or hard to escape from the flow when you run both filters together. It should be settled and come back to normal behavior in less than 2 weeks. Otherwise, You may turn off old Whisper one to make quite spot for those fishes.

2. Running two filters may make some noise. If the noise is bothering you too much, You may turn off old Whisper one.

3. Two filter will cost you some more. Filter sponge, carbon (if you are using it), electricity....

I purchased and tested the following brand filters and returned most of them.
(I ran them for at least a week each. It may take more than 2 weeks to settle down for some filters & I might buy simply bad one, so my quick review could be biased.)

AquaClear: Good
Aqueon: As good as AC and was on sale. (I kept this one.)
Topfin: good (closed to AC & Aqueon, returned it due to unfavorable reviews from others)
Whisper & Emperor: Very noisy

bmacd said:
If I opted for the AquaClear 70, wouldnt that combined with the 30 give me way to much flow? It is a 29 gallon tank.

Do you recommend any of the above filters? Thanks much.
Click to expand...
 
An Ac 70 is more then enough filter for a 30g one AC 70 can run a 70g tank by itself. It is rated at 300gph.If the tank has been up and running for sometime,you can just swap them out when you add the new filtet(up and running means 3 to 6 months)I would add a poly filter pad when you make the swap to the AC70 running both won't hurt either. I run 2 AC 110's in a 120gl tank with poly pads and white diamond chips in both changing one filter each month new pad and chips as I see fit.once a year I pull both filters repair or replace what is needed new chips and pads and let them run.this a 120 that's been up and running for about 5 years with a thick planting of water sprite, swords,logs,Ect.I would like to know what type of fish are in the tank
 
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