Which ones do you recommed for a 15-20 gallon tank??

Question

I'm planning on getting maybe a 15 gallon or 20 gallon tank, and I just wanted to know which filter do you recommend. I was thinking of getting a - Penn Plax Cascade 80 Power Filter, Tetra Whisper Power Filter 20 or a Marineland Penguin 100B Power Filter. I like the idea of a filter looking sort of like a "waterfall". If I get one of these filters will I need a powerhead or an air pump?? What are those for anyways? And what kind of heater will I need for a freshwater setup?? I'm planning on getting 6 neon tetras, 2 dwarf gourami, 2 otocinlus affinis, and 3 Harlequin Rasbora (and if everything goes well for them I'll add 2-3 more rasboras). THANK YOU EVERYONE IN ADVANCE.

Answer 1

First of all, kudos to planning your tank in advance! Your fish stcking plan is reaonable and should work.

Go with the biggest tank possible - it makes it easier to keep water conditions stable. Hang on power filters are great and easy to clean and maintain. Marineland is a good brand and I have found the Hagen Aquaclear filters to be very good, also. I don't have personal experience with the other filters you mention but most power filters should work pretty well, regardless of brand.

You will not need and air pump or airstone with a power filter. Airpumps are for running in-tank box filters and sponge filters or airstones where extra circulation is needed. You don't need these with the power filter unless you want to run a bubble wand because you like having the look of bubbles in the tank or want a "burping" clam or treasure chest!

The rule of thumb for heaters is 3-5 watts per gallon. So, a ten gallon tank would have about a 25-50 Watt heater and a 20 gallon tank a 75-100 Watt. Any decent brand is fine but stay away from really cheap heaters. I have had bad experiences where cheap heaters' thermostats got "stuck" and could have overheated the tank. Get a good brand of heater. Ebo Jager is one I like but there are many others.

Answer 2

I would opt for the Marineland Penguin 100B Power Filter, but then, I like marineland products. You would need a larger size of the Penn Plax, the 80 just wouldn't move enough water. Before you make your choice though, I would suggest looking at the cost and availability of filter cartridges.
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Answer 3

You sound like you are prepared. Get the larger tank, you will be happy you did. Your choice of filters are good, just add an undergravel filter with a powerhead. I use the Tetra Whisper Series myself. The waterfall effect is good because you can hear it when it is quiet. Get an air pump and a small airstone if you like. A heater and filter rated for the next larger size tank is best. Get a light bulb that enhances the fish and live plants if you get them.

Set up your tank 1 week before getting your fish so you can get the water conditioned and make adjustments to the landscaping. Your choice of fish looks good to me, you really should get what pleases you. I can only suggest adding Black Neons, White Clouds and a Red Tailed Black Shark (my favorite).

Choose your fish carefully at the store. If a tank has sick fish in it, do not get any from that tank!!!!!!! Be picky on the individual fish you choose, go for the healthy looking ones with no visible injuries or defects. Net them yourself if the shop lets you, I insist on it when I get fish.

I want to see your next post on how nice they are in your tank, and not what went wrong with them!!

Answer 4

My tanks are sort of cobbled together from about three different setups, but I can definitely tell you this: You will want an air pump. The fish can live without it, but it'll make them much more active to have the oxygen in the water. Shouldn't need a powerhead, I wouldn't think. I use a small heater--not sure of the brand, it was given to me--that just plugs in and stick it in the water. (Keep it away from any plastic plants, though!)

Sounds like a good setup--just don't forget to cycle, and good luck!

Answer 5

my wife has 11 fish tanks none smaller than 50.over the side filter will work fine,nothing else needed.However you are overstocking yours.You don't need a powerhead and an air pump is a good way to get your fish sick.Ocassionally you'll wanta add a little "doc wellfish" aquarium salt(yes even for fresh water,it keeps your fish healthy and helps them grow.for the number of fish you're talking about you'd be better off with a 50.

Answer 6

Sounds good, but remember your shoaling fish need to be in groups of 9 or more (the neons and the rasbora)

I always get a bigger filter then needed, so if you can afford it, get the next one up. I always use a much larger air pump then needed as well. PFK has a good article on breakdowns and workings of internal filters that you may want to read: http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=94

Answer 7

I would say go as big as you can. down the line you may want to put other things into the tank and the bigger the tank the more room you will have. I have been keeping fish both fresh and salt water for over thirty years. I think You will be better off