Can I setup two filters for my 55 gallon fish tank?

Question

I am getting over an ammonia spike that killed all my fish (from too many fish and probably overfeeding). I purchased a new tank because I figured now is the time to do it before I get all established again. I have the dual bio-wheel filter from my current tank (for 55+ gallons) and an Aqua-Tech dual bio-filter for my new tank. Can I set both these up on the new tank and get things moving faster (as far as getting bacteria established) and keep it extra clean? I've never used a bio-filter, so I dont know anything about it, I've always had a bio-wheel, and don't know anything about running two filters.... I can't "over filter" my water can I??

Thanks!

Answer 1

All my tanks over 30 gallons, I run 2 filters. My larger tanks I run a double bio wheel and a canister filter. No, you can't over filter the tank. I would still do regular weekly water changes on the tank though.

Now, just because you have the extra filter on there, it's not going to make it cycle quicker. It'll still take about 8-12 weeks for the tank to cycle. It's just better to have the extra filtration on tanks. For a 55 gallon tank, you want a filter or filters that will put out a minimum of 550 gallons per hour, but depending on the type of fish you plan on keeping, you should up that figure, like an oscar should have double the figure-1100 gph for example. Good luck with your new tank!

Answer 2

You can run two filters if you wish, but I would still recommend keeping only a couple of hardy fish until after the nitrogen cycle is complete. Then add the show fish at the rate of about 2 fish per week. Follow all the usual do's and don't's of good fish keeping and test for ammonia and nitrites daily until the the levels are both zero! Good luck.

Answer 3

Its never a problem to over filter,
The filter/s needs to filter 10 time the amount of water in the tank per hour to be considered good filtration.

Answer 4

No, your right, there's no such thing as over filtering. You can set up both filters, I'm not to sure if that will necessarily speed things up with the cycling, but it will help once you do get it cycled. A good idea is to start it with a single fish or to do a fishless cycle, this way you can avoid fish loss. Good luck with your new tank.

Answer 5

Dual Fish Tank

Answer 6

They should be fine for a few months longer, but I'd suggest finding a bigger tank ASAP. Look for something 90-125 gallons. This is why I never listen to Petstupid. The people there only know what's written on their little fish cards, and most of that information is wrong. I'm sure you know to research FIRST now. Anywho, start checking out rummage sales and craigslist to find a bigger tank ASAP. The sooner you upgrade them, the easier your life is going to be.

Answer 7

Yes,you can use two filters,and add some Cycle to the water to get the good bacteria going.No,you can't over-filter the water.

Answer 8

there is no way to speed up water cycle as it is a baterial growth that is needed to decompose the ammonia if you must have fish first before cycling (takes 3 to 4 week) purchase a product called Bio-Spira. it is a live bateria that automatically cycles water is a matter of hours costs near $15 dollars or so. also water change with certainly never hurt them about 25% weekly can never hurt..... carefull not to overfeed rotting food is worse than rotting POO...

Answer 9

Nah, you can't over filter.

My tanks here http://www.arofanatics.com/members/dragonfly_sg/my4feetsetup/image01.jpg carries 2 sponge filter, one overhead filter and a cannister filter.

If your dual bio-wheel has been kept in water (not dried out) you could bring it over and probably save a couple of days from your cycling period.

Answer 10

yes u can have 2 filters