topfin 30 filter....

8

8isenuf

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Nov 11, 2007
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I have the topfin 30 filter on our 28 gallon bowfront tank which is cycled and now has 9 fish. Is this filter enough? also, I had an aquaclear filter years ago with cichlids, we did not use any charcoal but used 2 foam sponges in it, would that work with the topfin 30 as well?

Thanks, Wendy
 
I would say no, get another filter or use the old one--it's much better to overfilter even though you don't state what the 9 fish are. I always add more to my tanks, especially my first couple of "kit" tanks. Especially with the Topfin--not my favorite in terms of function, but it'll do. For example, I have a medium planted 29g with 3 tiger barbs and 6 neon rosy barbs, and 3 emerald cories, but run two filters--Topfin 30 and Aquaclear 50. Also, an extra filter helps in case one just cuts off, or the power cuts off then on, and some filters (esp. Topfin) don't come back on.
If you boil the old sponges well they may be okay, but I'd not risk it and just get new ones since they last so long. Enjoy the bowfront!
 
Wendy,

You can add some sponges to the flow path but for now you want to leave the filter elements that are cycled in the filter. When you get a build up of bacteria in the sponges will be soon enough to remove any of the old media. I know you just got your fishless cycle finished, don't give it away by changing out the filter all at once.
 
Like Rosita said, it's better to over filter than under. The gallon ratings on the filters tend to be the max with lightly stocked tanks. I run a canister and HOB on all but my shrimp and fry tanks. Of course, I tend to go a bit overboard so that I can keep more fish though...
 
so, what filter would be the "best" to run with the topfin if we would like the max amount of fish for this tank?

Thanks so much, Wendy
 
for a 28 I would just go with another HOB...try aqua clear filters, they are my favorite so far and I have a marineland biowheel (not a big fan of) and a tetra like yours only smaller, which does the job but I would never use it as my main source of filtration, I have it for mechanical purposes.

Look into the AC 50
 
Thanks, I will go get the AC 50, is it good to add it now?...or wait for a while?

Thanks, Wendy
 
jpappy789 said:
Yep, you can add it now. The bacteria already established in your tank should multiply and colonize the AC :)
Click to expand...

I agree. You may want to save the charcoal from the new AC though. It really won't serve a purpose, but if you ever need it in the future to remove meds you'll have it on hand already.
 
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