Should I purchase a larger filter system for my 28 gallon tank?

Question

I read a post here recently about a gal who has a 29 gallon tank with a 30-55 gallon filter system. Being a new fish hobbyist who is [trying to] patiently wait out and safely monitor her 28 gallon tank's initial cycling [5 danios, 3 catfish, 3 mickey platies, 1 white snail]...I was wondering if it would help the tank cycle if I were to purchase a larger filter for my 28 gallon tank?

The only problem I worry about is finding one that would fit as I only have 2 1/2 inches from the wall to the back of the tank for space.

I only ask b/c it occured to me after reading that post on here that it would be a great idea and help me deal with the ammonia problem I have to wait out while the tank cycles - it's been two weeks and I assume I have 4 more weeks before it finishes cycling?

Bigger filter a good idea or should I wait until the tank finishes its first cycle?

I also have five live plants in the tank.

And the filter I have is the 30 gallon Aqua Clear Power Filter.

Would a larger filter be too strong for the fish I have in the tank (see above)?

Answer 1

No need to change the filter,to speed up the cycle you can slowly increase the temperature to 80 degrees F, increase the aeration temporarily,and monitor the ammonia closely.It's dangerous for the fish,but the cycle will go quicker if you can maintain the ammonia at .5 to.8. For a couple of weeks more.This provides food for the first colony of bacteria(Nitrosomonas). When they really get going you won't be able to keep the ammonia that high,then the second colony will start to grow(Nitrobacter),this will take a while longer and require that you monitor the Nitrite levels. When they fall to zero then you are good to go,but slowly.
Next time you start a cycle,look into fishless cycling. It actually is faster.

Answer 2

Hi :) No..you don't want to change filters especially mid-cycle. Inside your aqua clear you have the sponge and bioballs where the bacteria is colonizing. Do water changes during the cycling to get rid of the ammonia (and next nitrites) but don't wipe down the inside of the tank or remove the filter for cleaning, etc.

The best fish to cycle with are the danios. It would have been better to have let them cycle your tank and then added the others. What type of catfish do you have? The bioload from the danios and the platies is small. Plecos put out a high amount of ammonia...like cichlids and goldfish. When you have a high bioload fish, that's when the extra filtration is necessary (although it's always nice :) )

What else are you planning to add in the future?

Answer 3

I have a the aqua clear 50 in my 29 gallon tank for 5months now, and it's working great. Mine fits fine and I'm at 2 1/3 inches from the wall. At places like pet co they have models of different sizes of filters, this helps! So you can measure before you buy! As far as the cycle I don't think it would make a difference.

Answer 4

It depends on the size of the filter you want to purchase. If it's a 50-75 gallon filter, then the current might be too strong for them and/or it might suck the up. I would suggest a 40 gallon filter (if they have one), or you can stick with yours. Keep in mind the 2 1/5 inches when you're buying a filter though.

~ZTM