Opinions on filter?

[tarheels910]

I am setting up another 20 gallon as a grow out tank for some Africans. I cant decide if I want to buy an Bio-Wheel 350 from Marineland or that Dr Foster and Smith filter with the built in skimmer.

I use Emperor 400s on my 55s and know they are great filters, but I was wondering if a 350 would be suitable for a 20.

I know this should be in the products section but I am spefically asking for African cichlids.

Thanks for your help.

 

[H3D]

I think a Bio-Wheel 200 would be plenty.

 

[tarheels910]

Well I found a good deal on a 350 and didnt know if I should get the filter with the skimmer or the biowheel. I havent used a surface skimmer before and was wondering if it was better to have it.

 

[KenyanSandBoa]

Well I found a good deal on a 350 and didnt know if I should get the filter with the skimmer or the biowheel. I havent used a surface skimmer before and was wondering if it was better to have it.

You won't gain much by running a protein skimmer on a freshwater tank, so if it costs more I would say skip it.

You could go with the 350 if you found a good deal...but that may be too much circulation for you fish. I would try to break up the flow from the return so the fish aren't getting tossed all over the place.

 

[tarheels910]

Thanks for the info. I think I will get the 350. As for the current, I guess it will double as a powerhead so I dont have to put one in.

 

[KenyanSandBoa]

Thanks for the info. I think I will get the 350. As for the current, I guess it will double as a powerhead so I dont have to put one in.

LOL...there you go. :grinyes:

You'll probably be fine though. I'm running an Emperor 400 on one of my dat grow-out tanks, and I haven't had any problems. I put some larger rocks on the side where the current comes rushing down the front of the glass and they seem to disperse the flow pretty well.