Having just started out in the hobby, I did not have enough filtration and to large of fish for my tank and needless to say, that caused quite a bit of problems. I was wondering if anyone could help me out in figuring a general consensus of how much filtration is necessary. I am in overkill for my 75 g at the moment but don't want to have the previous problems. I now have smaller fish (i.e. tetras, danios and rasboras) and have a rena filstar xp3 and a mangnum 350 pro and a smaller generic filter from wal-mart all on the tank. I was wondering is I left just the rena filstar if that would be enough. It says it is good for up to 120 g (if I remember correctly) but I don't want to have the problems I had previously. Thanks in advance
Question about filtration
- Thread starter wolterjw
- Start date
Do you have the bio-wheel in use on the Magnum? If, yes, I would say you have a great combination. Look at it from a safety point of view. If one filter decided to quit the other would be able to handle some of the bio-load until you got things worked out.
As for that Walmart brand those are usually the same as Marineland Penguin filters without the bio-wheel. Keep in mind if it is that filter all it has is a filter cartridge with a little bit of carbon. When you replace it you are throwing away all the beneficial bacteria. Think of this filter as a mechanical filter only. I could never understand how someone could use that as their only filter, like when you buy a Walmart tank "kit".
Build your bacteria colonies on the biowheel and in the Rena and use the HOB as a bonus mechanical filter and you will be fine. If you had to get rid of one I would remove the Walmart HOB.
I've got seven tanks running right now and six of them have two or more filters. I like to think I have my bases covered. That means more than adequate bio-filtration, lots of mechanical filtration, and plenty of options for chemical filtration if necessary.
I'm partial to cannisters on anything over 20g with a HOB as a secondary. My smaller tanks have 2 HOB's or a HOB and a sponge.
And change your water regularly!
As for that Walmart brand those are usually the same as Marineland Penguin filters without the bio-wheel. Keep in mind if it is that filter all it has is a filter cartridge with a little bit of carbon. When you replace it you are throwing away all the beneficial bacteria. Think of this filter as a mechanical filter only. I could never understand how someone could use that as their only filter, like when you buy a Walmart tank "kit".
Build your bacteria colonies on the biowheel and in the Rena and use the HOB as a bonus mechanical filter and you will be fine. If you had to get rid of one I would remove the Walmart HOB.
I've got seven tanks running right now and six of them have two or more filters. I like to think I have my bases covered. That means more than adequate bio-filtration, lots of mechanical filtration, and plenty of options for chemical filtration if necessary.
I'm partial to cannisters on anything over 20g with a HOB as a secondary. My smaller tanks have 2 HOB's or a HOB and a sponge.
And change your water regularly!