Is my fish tank filter adequate?

Question

We have a Tetra aqua art 30 litre tank:
( http://www.seapets.co.uk/product-details/stkcode/950650/category/1180.html )
with 6 small coldwater fish and a Elite mini filter :
( http://www.seapets.co.uk/product-details/stkcode/660265/category/568.html )
Which according to that site is only good for about 11 litres. Will the filter be ok?

It certainly doesnt appear underpowered, i only have it on half flow as any higher and it seems to just fill the tank with bubbles.

Answer 1

Bubbles aren't going to take food and fish wastes out of your water. For adequate filtration, you need to keep the water miving so that any particles will get caught by the filter media. The general rule is that your filter should move 5 -10 times the volume of your tank every hour (this should be listed on the package in liters per hour or gallons per hour). If your aquarium is understocked, you only have small fish, or your fish don't like strong current, you can do with the smaller rating. If you have a large tank, are close to being overstocked, have fish that need a strong current, or have "dirty" fish, go for the higher rating or get the next largest filter.

Here's a handy conversion link if you need one- just enter the numbers and units of measure: http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/conversions.html

Answer 2

Is your tank new? if so, thats possibly whats causing it. Is your tank close to a window or do you go away your tank gentle on for more beneficial than 12 hours an afternoon? in the adventure that your tank has been setup for months and also you're basically now having problems with some thing like this... have you ever at the moment extra any fish? think ofyou've got overstocked it and the filter out cant cope with it. have you ever done some thing new at the moment?

Answer 3

The filter should be OK. At 220 l/h litres per hour the water will be cycled 7.3 times per hour and while 8 cycles is recommended 7.3 should be adequate if careful feeding and frequent water changes are practiced. Be cognizant of the fact that this sort of filter does not actually remove waste from the fishes environment,only from sight,and therefore requires diligent maintenance also. Good luck.-----PeeTee

Answer 4

It should be okay. It's not perfect, but if you keep up with weekly water changes and are careful not to overfeed, it should be adequate for your tank. You should turn it up to maximum capacity, however. You can rotate the little output slot so it does not shoot out so many bubbles. You can also try to aim it to aim it toward the side of the tank to lessen the current.

Your bigger problem is the fish you're keeping. Most coldwater fish are goldfish, and those will outgrow your tank.

Answer 5

With adequate water changes I would think your tank will be fine. I would suggest you turn the filter all the way up though and try to position it so that it doesn't create bubbles. It may become more of a problem depending on what type of fish you have and how large they grow.

MM

Answer 6

yeah i think that filter is good for the tank.

i think a general rule is that all the water should go threw the filter at least 3 times an hour. like your 220 liters per hours.
yours is probably perfect for the tank. =)