So I just picked up a 20 gallon tank. At the moment I've transfered over my bio-wheel filter (from my old 10 gallon tank) which is good for "up to" a 20 gallon tank. I'm thinking I should get a bigger filter, now the heres my question, would it be better to just run one larger filter (still a bio-wheel), or two small ones on opposite ends of the tank?
Which one would offer more filtration? I don't care about cost, or the filter intakes hanging on the back of the tank.
If just one filter I assume bigger is better right?
2007-02-19 08:44:58 · 4 answers · asked by mr5oh 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Filters are always over rated. It's best to have 5 to 10 times the volume of the tank filtering each hour.
There is no such thing as over filtering, just under filtering. And yes, two filters that have a combined volume of 5 to 10 times that of your tank is better for two reasons.
1. If one filter fails, you will as least have some filtration from the other.
2. You can rotate filter cleaning at different times so not to upset your bio-filter.
2007-02-19 09:05:51 · answer #1 · answered by Overt Operative 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never go by what the box recommends. I've never found the flow to be sufficient for my preferences. Plus, there is great support for a two filter/combination filter system. Partially as a backup situation and partially because each type of filter tends to have one weaker or stronger area of the three filtration needs. The Marineland Magnum Pro 350 is a good example of a combination filter. It has a bio-wheel, a canister and a wet/dry filter. So, you could add a canister or a power filter to your bio-wheel and/or a wet/dry filter. Bigger is better to a degree; until you start blowing the faces off your fish, lol!, but actually, it's more of a combination that makes it "bigger" and better.
2007-02-19 11:36:46 · answer #2 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in a 20 gallon tank, you should probably get 1 larger filter because you have no divider and you most likely have small fish in there. Now in the case of a divider and 2 larger fish get 2 smaller filters or keep your bio filter on one side and put a smaller one on the other side. if you need more help just comment on one of my questions ill see it and msg u back
2007-02-19 08:50:14 · answer #3 · answered by Gary p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider this another vote for the two filter system. All the pluses and no drawbacks that you are concerned with.
MM
2007-02-19 09:17:00 · answer #4 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋