That doesn't make any sense. "Filtration" is act or process of filtering. The only way to filter more is to increase the flow rate.
And the OP did not ask about "over filtering" he asked if there can be too much filtration and the answer is yes IMO.
Filtration... Is there such a thing as TOO much?
- Thread starter red_wall
- Start date
That doesn't make any sense. "Filtration" is act or process of filtering. The only way to filter more is to increase the flow rate.
And the OP did not ask about "over filtering" he asked if there can be too much filtration and the answer is yes IMO.
There are certain things to consider
1)How large the bacterial colony in the tank is is directly proportional to the amount of waste. Adding more filtration after a certain point will not increase the biological filtration, though I guess if you feel it necessary you can add a lot of mechanical filtration.
2)Having more filtration doesn't mean less nitrates. Overstocking still means more water changes.
3)While some fish will adapt to higher flow, others will not be as enthusiastic about it.
1)How large the bacterial colony in the tank is is directly proportional to the amount of waste. Adding more filtration after a certain point will not increase the biological filtration, though I guess if you feel it necessary you can add a lot of mechanical filtration.
2)Having more filtration doesn't mean less nitrates. Overstocking still means more water changes.
3)While some fish will adapt to higher flow, others will not be as enthusiastic about it.
the only consideration is that you have enough space and flow for the bacteria. I'm not sure you can have 'too much space' or too much flow.. possibly... Tho I would think the bacteria population would just be less dence if there was too much space in the canister or whatever filter system you use...
I tend to find low flow with lots of space works just fine.
mechanical filtration I find not really an issue in an established tank. it takes very little to keep it clear.
Keep the bacteria happy and the tank looks after itself.
I tend to find low flow with lots of space works just fine.
mechanical filtration I find not really an issue in an established tank. it takes very little to keep it clear.
Keep the bacteria happy and the tank looks after itself.
Wasn't saying too much space, but more space than needed. I don't think you could harm your bacterial colony by having more filtration.
With the mechanical filtration I was talking about extremely messy, large
fish, like piranhas, oscars, etc. I also don't really think adding a lot of this will do anything after a certain point. For most tanks it's really unnecessary.
You can definitely have enough flow to make a fish uncomfortable. Low flow large space definitely works, of course.
hehe.. well I think I have about 30 litres of filtration media on my 200 litre goldfish tank in two canisters... 
most of my tanks would likely be considered overstocked here, but you can push the limits with enough media and the right fish types. I don't mix varieties much.
Rainbowfish are especially clean, so I am sure i could actually have even more in their tank, but not going to put more... I have 12 of those currently in the 190 litre tank and they have lived and bred in there well over many mnay years... about 6 - 8 is probably the ideal number when they are fully grown, but some of these guys are still young from the last time they spawned.
fortunately they are a local variety and can be released into local waterways if they have another big spawn this year or get a bit overcrowded as the younger ones grow....
Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is I like the extra 'space' in the filter so there is room for bacteria if needed.
most of my tanks would likely be considered overstocked here, but you can push the limits with enough media and the right fish types. I don't mix varieties much.
Rainbowfish are especially clean, so I am sure i could actually have even more in their tank, but not going to put more... I have 12 of those currently in the 190 litre tank and they have lived and bred in there well over many mnay years... about 6 - 8 is probably the ideal number when they are fully grown, but some of these guys are still young from the last time they spawned.
fortunately they are a local variety and can be released into local waterways if they have another big spawn this year or get a bit overcrowded as the younger ones grow....
Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is I like the extra 'space' in the filter so there is room for bacteria if needed.
I like to overfilter also, my only point is that after the bacteria colony isn't going to grow after a certain point because a tank supports a finite bacteria colony, not one that automatically grows larger if you add filtration .
I would reconsider releasing them if that tank has been used for anything else, as they may have been exposed to nonnative pathogens.
.I would reconsider releasing them if that tank has been used for anything else, as they may have been exposed to nonnative pathogens.
i am a very heavy over filter type of guy a example of each filter set up on each tank i have they are 100 gal tanks i have 4 large orandas in every tank i have a mangum 220 just to polish the water running, a wet/dry running about 600 gal a hour, a emperor 400, a fluidized sand filter and finally a cascade 1000 canister filter my water stays so clear it looks like the fish are floating in air inside the tank and the flows do not disturd the fish never has they are the size of grapefruits so maybe thats why they seem to be fine with it. I have 8 tanks running and all are filtered with the same set ups on each tank i also once a week do the maintance and afterwards run my system 1 diatom filter for about 2 hrs on each tank just to get any small things the other filters cant pick up. i know i am extreme in this area but i just like it keep my water as clear as possible.
