Walmart 55G
- Thread starter bdobosz
- Start date
Do you mean that you want to add another filter like the one you got in the kit?
If so, then I think it's a good idea, because you have more bacteria, and more oxygen, and more filtration.
But, this all depends on the types of fish you are keeping aswell.
If you are keeping fish that don't secrete a huge amount of waste then just the one filter would probably be sufficient.
On the other hand, if you are keeping big fish that secrete alot of waste, and are messy eaters such as goldfish, oscars, etc then by all means use two filters.
If so, then I think it's a good idea, because you have more bacteria, and more oxygen, and more filtration.
But, this all depends on the types of fish you are keeping aswell.
If you are keeping fish that don't secrete a huge amount of waste then just the one filter would probably be sufficient.
On the other hand, if you are keeping big fish that secrete alot of waste, and are messy eaters such as goldfish, oscars, etc then by all means use two filters.
Circulation shouldn't be a problem. I have that same filter, came with my 55g kit from wal-mart. When I decided to get a second filter, I went with a Penguin 330 instead. Similar filter except it has the biowheels. I'm pleased with it (have several others now) and think the next filter I buy will be a canister filter.
Point is, you might want to try another type of filter just for the experience of it and it shouldn't cost much more.
Point is, you might want to try another type of filter just for the experience of it and it shouldn't cost much more.
I have the same set up as you, I am running two of the same filter that came with the kit. I see no harm in more filtration and more beneficial bactieria.
As far as circulation I also have a powersweep 228 and the black neons love to swim in the "current".
As far as circulation I also have a powersweep 228 and the black neons love to swim in the "current".
I bought the same setup from walmart a few years ago when i started my tank for my newborn baby girl.
Before long, I found myself hooked and decided some of the original parts just werent up to snuff.
For the money, I do not think you can beat an Aquaclear filter. On my 55g I have 2 Aquaclear 500's and experience no problems with too much water movement.
What I like about 2 filters is that if one should go out (which, by the way, in almost 4 years of fish keeping, ive never had a filter go out) I will have another working filter already installed and ready to go.
The other reason is that I keep cichlids, and I like the ability to be able to switch around what type of media I put in the second filter.
During a recent move, I found my nitrates had spiked (im assuming it was due to the stirring of all the gunk in the gravel). I left one filter alone and put nitrate absorbing material in a fliter bag in the other.
Another good reason to get 2 filters, IMO, is to remove dead spots from the water. I like a little current running around my tank and 2 filters seem to ensure that all of the water is moving around at a good rate.
90% of the time though, I keep 2 sponges in the main filter and 1 sponge plus filter floss in the other.
Some people may call this overkill, but during the move I removed and sold an Eheim 2026 that was being used in conjunction with the 2 Aquaclears.
And, just FYI, I experience no ill effects from either running all 3 filters nor did I experience any problems when I completely removed the Eheim and all of its media. I simply removed a filter bag full of old media from the Eheim and dropped it in my aquaclear in place of the filter floss.
I guess, to give you a simple answer, I think it is near impossible to overfiltrate a 55g tank.
Before long, I found myself hooked and decided some of the original parts just werent up to snuff.
For the money, I do not think you can beat an Aquaclear filter. On my 55g I have 2 Aquaclear 500's and experience no problems with too much water movement.
What I like about 2 filters is that if one should go out (which, by the way, in almost 4 years of fish keeping, ive never had a filter go out) I will have another working filter already installed and ready to go.
The other reason is that I keep cichlids, and I like the ability to be able to switch around what type of media I put in the second filter.
During a recent move, I found my nitrates had spiked (im assuming it was due to the stirring of all the gunk in the gravel). I left one filter alone and put nitrate absorbing material in a fliter bag in the other.
Another good reason to get 2 filters, IMO, is to remove dead spots from the water. I like a little current running around my tank and 2 filters seem to ensure that all of the water is moving around at a good rate.
90% of the time though, I keep 2 sponges in the main filter and 1 sponge plus filter floss in the other.
Some people may call this overkill, but during the move I removed and sold an Eheim 2026 that was being used in conjunction with the 2 Aquaclears.
And, just FYI, I experience no ill effects from either running all 3 filters nor did I experience any problems when I completely removed the Eheim and all of its media. I simply removed a filter bag full of old media from the Eheim and dropped it in my aquaclear in place of the filter floss.
I guess, to give you a simple answer, I think it is near impossible to overfiltrate a 55g tank.
Seaman
Shrimp gumbo, shrimp salad etc...
yep you cant really "overfilter" a tank, you can create soooo much current and movement that it stresses fish, especially fish that kinda "hover" in place they will stress themselves trying to stay still in VERY strong currents. But it would probbably take A LOT of filtration to get that much water movement.