Well, I have an xp3 on my little ten gallon with crystal red shrimp they all look happy with no problem. 
To Much Filtration...
Ok take number 2, I just typed this whole long thing and my computer puked on me. Ok so I've been reading a lot of threads on here lately and I've been noticing that everyone has like 10 times the amount of filtration needed for their tank.. e.g. 2 Fluval 304 (rated for a 70 gal. each) for just a 55 gal. Now maybe I get my info from bad sources but I've heard that too much filtration isn’t that good for your tank. But anyways, the reason I am wondering is because I am currently upgrading my 26 bow to a 55 gal. and have a Fluval 304 waiting for it. But now I'm not sure if that’s even enough..:icon_roll
P.S. I am going to try and inline a DIY reactor to the filter..wish me luck, I'll probably start a journal of all my efforts once I get all the parts together.
P.S. I am going to try and inline a DIY reactor to the filter..wish me luck, I'll probably start a journal of all my efforts once I get all the parts together.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
In my opinion theres really no such thing as too much filtration. Too much current maybe.
The current from your outflow can be toned down by using spray bars and even valves, or playing around with the placement of things.
Another thing to consider is that most filter makers specs and ratings are slightly embellished (flow rate based on no media in the filter etc.)
Its usually a good plan to go a size bigger than you think you need in my opinion.
[edit] lol finch...you could almost use the canister as a stand.
The current from your outflow can be toned down by using spray bars and even valves, or playing around with the placement of things.
Another thing to consider is that most filter makers specs and ratings are slightly embellished (flow rate based on no media in the filter etc.)
Its usually a good plan to go a size bigger than you think you need in my opinion.
[edit] lol finch...you could almost use the canister as a stand.
No such thing as too much filtration. Too much current maybe. A bigger filtration means it takes longer for it to build up in waste, thus you don't have to clean it as frequently as a smaller filtration system. Plus when there's more filter media, nitrogenous-converting bacteria have more surface to grow. It can also filter the water at a faster rate, thus cleaner water. Also, in the event you stock more fish, you have the capacity to build up to a higher biological load.
Think of it this way: Amount of filtration can be seen as the number of times water passes through a certain place, more specifically, the filter. Current would be how fast it's being pushed out into the tank.
A couple of things: People run filters rated for larger tanks because when you add your filter media and in line accessories (CO2 diffuser, heater, etc), the flow will slow down a great deal. This becomes even more of an issue when the filter has been running for a while and starts to get clogged with debris. Finally, people run multiple filters in case one fails. This way, it is more safe for the fish.
A couple of things: People run filters rated for larger tanks because when you add your filter media and in line accessories (CO2 diffuser, heater, etc), the flow will slow down a great deal. This becomes even more of an issue when the filter has been running for a while and starts to get clogged with debris. Finally, people run multiple filters in case one fails. This way, it is more safe for the fish.
These are interesting articles on the subject:
http://www.bestfish.com/tips/032599.html
http://www.bestfish.com/tips/031899.html
http://www.bestfish.com/tips/032599.html
http://www.bestfish.com/tips/031899.html
hey great links!! thanks PDX... so I guess I'm going to have to invest in another filter.. man this upgrade from my 26 is really starting to take a big chunch out of my wallet. Anyone feel like getting rid up an XP3 or Fuval 304 for cheap...??
man this upgrade from my 26 is really starting to take a big chunch out of my wallet. Anyone feel like getting rid up an XP3 or Fuval 304 for cheap...?? 
i have a rena xp3 and a pinguin 330 on my 55g.
ok well I just bought an xp2 to go along with my fluval 304...hopefully this will be enough!
thanx for the help!
thanx for the help!
sorry to ask this question on your thread but i didnt want to make a thread that is similar to this. but i have a 20 gal long with an aquaclear 50 on my tank. and i was wondering if i can get another aquaclear 50 so i can have 2 filters on each side will that make it better? or should i just get a smaller aquaclear? thanks Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
NEVER downsize. Words to live by.
thank you. so should i get another ac 50 or just 1 will do fine? i also do realize in pictures that they have more than 1 filter (most pics)NEVER downsize. Words to live by.
I have a 20L with the smallest eheim ecco and an Aquaclear 50. I would say get another.
I would stick with the way you have it now...
One side with plenty of flow, and one side with less flow. The fish can go where they want.
One side with plenty of flow, and one side with less flow. The fish can go where they want.
Ok take number 2, I just typed this whole long thing and my computer puked on me. Ok so I've been reading a lot of threads on here lately and I've been noticing that everyone has like 10 times the amount of filtration needed for their tank.. e.g. 2 Fluval 304 (rated for a 70 gal. each) for just a 55 gal. Now maybe I get my info from bad sources but I've heard that too much filtration isn’t that good for your tank. But anyways, the reason I am wondering is because I am currently upgrading my 26 bow to a 55 gal. and have a Fluval 304 waiting for it. But now I'm not sure if that’s even enough..:icon_roll
P.S. I am going to try and inline a DIY reactor to the filter..wish me luck, I'll probably start a journal of all my efforts once I get all the parts together.
Hmm, two Fluval 304s on a 55 gallon sounds familiar. Keep in mind a filter may have a rating for a certain size tank but you also need to consider inline accessories (CO2 reactor, inline heater, etc.), the associated increase in distance created by the extra tubing/plumbing for those accessories, and the tank dimensions. Additionally, consider the increased mass (plants, etc.) in a planted tank and the flow needed to move water throughout the tank. For my 55, I wanted to use 2 filters due to stand configuration and the length of the tank, in my opinion, is better suited to 2 filters. My thought was to get better flow dividing the tank into thirds and using bulkheads with 2 filters instead of a center fill/drain with one larger filter. My 46 gallon bowfront has a Fluval 404 (rated up to 100 gallons) with a center fill/drain but if you look at the additional plumbing in the link below, that size was needed. The 46 gallon, being a 36 inch bowfront tank gets perfect flow with a center fill/drain (the bowed front actually helps circulate water better using a center fill/drain)......DC
just get a xp1 and call it a day.sorry to ask this question on your thread but i didnt want to make a thread that is similar to this. but i have a 20 gal long with an aquaclear 50 on my tank. and i was wondering if i can get another aquaclear 50 so i can have 2 filters on each side will that make it better? or should i just get a smaller aquaclear? thanks Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
I am running 3 canister filters and it makes the water crystal clear since the beginning.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
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