Filtration
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That's a bare minimum for a 55. If you're getting it new, I would consider paying an extra $40 and getting the 405. That, or add an AC50 for $20 from petsmsart.com
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I know it's been a while but I hope someone replies...I have had the Fluval 305 running now with this setup for two years. It seems to be fine for this size and the 10 fish varying in size from 3" to almost 6" for some. My question is, should my filter get so dirty at the end of the month when I do my cleaning of it. I mean It's practically not pumping at all by that time. Would I have this problem if I got a larger filter?
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To have a Fluval 305 almost completely clog up in just a month is pretty severe. IMO, its a clear case of under filtering. Aquarium needs change over time as fish get bigger. What may have "cut it" in the past, may be insufficient now.
You will want to either get another 305, or replace yours with a considerably larger filter. I would go with a second filter method. 2 filters are a smart and practical way to filter an aquarium for various reasons.
You will want to either get another 305, or replace yours with a considerably larger filter. I would go with a second filter method. 2 filters are a smart and practical way to filter an aquarium for various reasons.
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Well, a properly sized canister(s) filter for a well stocked African cichlid tank could arguably be cleaned every 6 months without risk of poisoning the water or completely clogging the filter.
I know fmueller said he cleans his about every 6 months. I clean my every 4 for good measure, but some say you can disturb the bacteria colonies by cleaning it too often.
That's why I say you're under filtering your tank. Remember, the rule-of-thumb is 10x filtration (though some say 8x filtration and 10x for water flow) for cichlid tanks.
I know fmueller said he cleans his about every 6 months. I clean my every 4 for good measure, but some say you can disturb the bacteria colonies by cleaning it too often.
That's why I say you're under filtering your tank. Remember, the rule-of-thumb is 10x filtration (though some say 8x filtration and 10x for water flow) for cichlid tanks.
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Using the 8x-10x filtration rule, that brings the numbers to 440GPH-550GPH.
Now, I don't now what your budget, preferences, or space requirements are, but as I mentioned earlier, I'd prefer 2 filters as opposed to 1 large one. I would use two identical filters for ease of use, setup, and interchangeability of media between the 2 canisters.
You could do two EHEIM 2217's though some will say that is too much and too pricey. You could do two Rena XP1's which would be more affordable.
Again, its up to you. You could chose 1 large filter if you wanted as well. The most important part is that you know generally what GPH you need to end up with to properly filter your tank. After that, you can peruse through the reviews section on this site to select which filter(s) you want to buy.
Now, I don't now what your budget, preferences, or space requirements are, but as I mentioned earlier, I'd prefer 2 filters as opposed to 1 large one. I would use two identical filters for ease of use, setup, and interchangeability of media between the 2 canisters.
You could do two EHEIM 2217's though some will say that is too much and too pricey. You could do two Rena XP1's which would be more affordable.
Again, its up to you. You could chose 1 large filter if you wanted as well. The most important part is that you know generally what GPH you need to end up with to properly filter your tank. After that, you can peruse through the reviews section on this site to select which filter(s) you want to buy.
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Probably one of the greatest benefits of having 2 filters as opposed to one large one is that you can clean them one at a time a few months (or several wks) apart.
That way you won't have to worry too much about destroying the bacterial colonies when cleaning your filter, because the other will be the backup. Also, another "pro" of having 2 filters is if one filter for some crazy reason fails, you're not SOL for filtration. You have one still running while you address the failing one.
With planning, a little thinking, and some research, you'll be fine, I'm sure. Good luck! :thumb:
That way you won't have to worry too much about destroying the bacterial colonies when cleaning your filter, because the other will be the backup. Also, another "pro" of having 2 filters is if one filter for some crazy reason fails, you're not SOL for filtration. You have one still running while you address the failing one.
With planning, a little thinking, and some research, you'll be fine, I'm sure. Good luck! :thumb:
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emperor 400's work aswsome
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So I got the new 305 now...where should I put the intakes and outlets? Should I put both intakes in the middle and an out in each end, or should I do in out in out across the back? Also I know the heater should be by the outlet so thats going to be tough to place. :-?
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