Need Filter advice for 10 gal.

T

tinytnt

Dynamite comes in small packages
Aug 11, 2005
46
0
0
Lewisville, Texas
I've had my tank set up and running for not quite a year, and everything's fine as far as cycling, levels, etc.

My issue is, I REALLY hate my filter, a Regent, and would love to get a different one. Don't want anything TOO extravagant, just something that does a better job for my 10 gal tank. This one seems to barely even move the water, both intake and output seem puny... the only reason I have any water movement at ALL is because of my bubblewall and airstone.

I had a 20 gal tank several years ago, and my under-gravel filter seemed to work pretty well. Does that seem like the best option for me? I prefer something that I don't have to change a $5 carbon filter every week or two. Something pretty much self-sufficiant. Does it even exist, or am I dreaming? lol

Anyway, I could also use tips on the best way to CHANGE the filter after I figure out what to get. For example, if you recommend an under gravel, can you tell me the best and most efficient way to do this without killing my fish and my cycle? Or if it's a different kind of filter that you think is best, please tell me how to transfer as much good bacteria over as possible.

Thank you for your help!! :)

Tank specs (just in case)
10 gal, about 11 month old tank.
all normal pH and nitrate levels (have actually never gotten an "off" reading)
3 mollies (1 male, 2 female)
2 cory cats
1 pleco ~ that I really want gone (talk about poop-machine)
1 betta.
My plants are plastic, my filter is "Regent" using Penguin carbon filters, and usually my tank temp sits around 78-79.
 
i have always used whispers, more than enough filtration. go by the smaller number on the range they give you. so if it says 10-20, it can handle a 10 by itself, not a 20.
 
And what's the best way to ensure that my cycle doesn't get all messed up when I change filters?
 
whispers come with a black bio filter cartrtidge for all the good bacteria to grow on. the water goes through this after it goes through the mechanical and chemical filter cartridge (bio-bag) so the black bio cartridge should never get clogged or need to be cleaned. you should also not clean the filter cartridges and the vacuum the gravel within 3 days of eachother. this allows the good bacteria from one area to colonize the newly cleaned area.
 
carbon filters are not necessary unless you need to remove medication from the water. you would be better off not even bothering with carbon and using something else in that space that bacteria could really colonize.
 
thanks for all the advice so far everyone!! A few more questions though... I'm searching online for the various filters that you guys are suggesting. Which Whisper? "Tetra/Second Nature Whisper Economy Power Filters?"

Also, I can't find it right this moment, but seems like several months ago, I read a thread talking about the Aqua Clear filters, and how they caused some problems (I think with algae) due to the fact that they are made of clear plastic. In the online pics, the Whisper filters look to be clear as well. Am I going bonkers about having read that, or is that in fact a real concern and problem?
 
Sorry for so many posts, but I'm getting ready to go buy my new filter, and just wondered if you can get TOO much filter. I was thinking of getting the 20, then realized the 30 is $2 more (it's on sale), and I plan on getting a larger tank; So I was just curious if the 30 would be too much for my 10 gal, or if it'll be ok.

Thanks again for all the help.

Please respond ASAP, as I'm getting ready to walk out the door... :)
 
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there is no such thing as too much filtration. what you CAN get too much of, is current. just make sure that the fish you choose wont be bothered by a stronger current. the betta may not be too happy with it. they aren't very strong swimmers and can get thrown around by a strong current.

really, the only difference between filters is how many gallons of water per hour they can move through the filter. usually you want your filter to move the entier volume of your tank through it 6-10 times per hour. usually the higher the gph the faster the current.
 
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