Filters Filters Filters!

[fishmomma]

Hi again!

I've been spending all my free time researching filter types and my head is spinning!:fr:

The 55gl I just bought came with a bunch of used equipment. Some air pumps, air stones, 2 power filters(which I will not use) and a Fluval 104 Canister filter. It seems to be in good shape! unfortunately its no where near big enough for the 55gl.

Question is- could I/should I use it as a supplement filter to the power filter and sponge filter I'm planning to use once I get my tank set up??

Also, about the sponge filter...what is the best way to set it up for a pleco? With an air pump or power head?

The plan is to eventually get 1 or 2 L128s for my tank<3

 

[bigbird]

Hello,

I would keep the fluval as a sipplement additional filter and run it in the tank, it cant harm having too much anyway. For the sponge I would use the air pump, as these like higher temps to 29c. cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[Lornek8]

Whether you should or shouldn't boils down to what you plan to keep & what filters you plan to use. The canister would be beneficial as a supplement as there is no such thing as too much filtration but it may be more efficient to run a single large filter or a few largish filters rather than a number of small filters. It also makes maintenance easier to care for fewer filters and provides less clutter in and around the tank.

Based upon what you're saying, my gut feeling is telling me that you're not going to have enough filtration for a fully stocked 55 gallon. What is the model of the sponge filter and power filter you're planning on using. I am not a huge fan of sponge filters in larger sizes as I think you could get better filtration with other means especially if using air to drive the sponge.

 

[fishmomma]

bigbird- Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!:thumbup:

Lornek8- The only thing I plan to keep is 1 or 2 L128. I would like to have some other fish as well but I have no set plan. It will just revolve around what would be a good match for the water parameters that I'll have set up for my plecs.

As far as filter models I was looking at the Hydro IV Sponge Pro Filter for up to 80gl. Would 2 smaller ones be better?

Also I've heard good things about the Marineland Penguin power filter.

What do you suggest? My tank is 100% empty now so I've got a clean slate
Thanks for the help!

 

[Lornek8]

I personally don't like sponge filters for the simple fact I don't like equipment of any sort in my tank if I can help it. To me it just takes away from the aesthetics. I've used them on smaller breeding or grow-out tanks but not for display types. I 'm not sure of what type of flow rates you get through sponges utilizing air to power them but I can't see it being more efficient than using a powerhead. Thus to get equal filtration you'd probably got to go to a larger sized sponge. If using a powerhead to get better filtration with a smaller sponge, I'd rather just go to an external filter.

The penguin filters have been around for a long time but lack very much biological filtration. The newer ones with the bio-wheel are better than before but I don't really trust the claims that are made regarding bio capacity. There are some reports that these are a bit worse than the Emperor line of filters which are also made by Marineland and of a similar design.