over filtration?

L

Looks_Fishy

AC Members
Feb 20, 2007
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Brisbane
Hello everyone, I need your unfailing wisdom and advice once again.

In my 50 liter (15 gallon) tank, (that's 60cm L*30cm H*30cm D) I have an internal filter with a carbon spongy thing. It's capable of filtering up to 550 liters per hour. So all the water is being filtered 11 times an hour.

I bought it without realizing that it was this powerful and I'm not sure I can take it back, because it's already in the tank.

Is this too much filtration?
 
My general feeling is you can't over filter, but depending on what fish and plants you maintain, you can provide to much flow.
 
You should def call to see what your return policy is. In most case's clean it, dry it & return it, if it hasn't been to long.
Def need more info on what you have in your tank cause as rbishop said above it could be toooo much for your inhabitants. However that said, the gen rule of thumb is 2x's the filtration as is what the gl size is i.e. 55gl you want at least 110gph of "total filtration", some fish can take 4-5x's or more, so it really depends on what you have. And if you "pack" a tank then you really need to up the filtration.
You might also consider defusing the flow w/ rock or if you can manipulate the out flow tube then turn it toward a corner since you said it was "capable of" that rate of flow which would imply that it can be adjusted w/ out harm to the motor, just a thought:)
 
Thank you very much for you quick replys!

And thank you, it's good to know.:clap: The plant's I choose will have to be hardy and able to wave a little without having bits detatch. At the moment I have some foxtail plant in there, which seems to be quite fragile.

Can anyone recommend some peaceful community fish that would like a fairly strong current? Do Kuhli Loaches like strong currents?
 
You might also consider defusing the flow w/ rock or if you can manipulate the out flow tube then turn it toward a corner, just a thought:)
Click to expand...

We replied at the same time.:) And that's a good idea, too.
 
A quick google search (http://www.brettb.com/TropicalFish_KuhliLoach.asp ) ( http://www.loaches.com/species-index/pangio-kuhlii ) ( http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Oddball,%20Kuhli%20Loaches.htm ) ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuhli_loach ) ( http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=9450&cid=3787&search=) ( http://en.mimi.hu/aquarium/kuhli_loach.html ) made me think that it looks like they should be fine as long as they have some sort structure to be able to seek refuge in w/ a soft sustrate (which come cleaning time means off goes the filter/flow, probly), they should def be able to acclimate to the flow. And since I get the impression the your leaning toward the Amazon basin or warm water river fish, I would assume any of these fish should certainly be able to handle the flow even flurish:) With that said we all know where "assuming" gets us so I'm sure other's will be able to chime in:)
Good luck!!
 
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plus the flow rate listed on the box is going to be different (more) than what you actually get once there is filter media in there and flow is decreased. see how things go, and if the flow really turns out to be too much for the tank, save the filter for your next tank!
 
I am currently using a magnum 350 and a whisper 30 on a 55 gal which turns out to be ~450 gph. I have had no issues and always have 0 nitrite and ammonia. I would think it would be that much safer to overfilter.
 
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