samo Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Hey guys, Just wanting some advice on filtration. Here's the situation: 5ft (270L) 1200L/H External Canister 1800 L/H Internal 2 x 200L/H (guess) sponges 8 x capacity is 2150L Total filtration per hour is >3000L/H 3ft (120L) 800L/H External Canister 1 x sponge 8 x capacity is 1000L/H Total Filtration per hour is <1000L/H My question is, is the 5ft being filtered adequately? Whats the disadvantages of running an internal and with the 3ft am I right to go and buy a 1400L/H canister and run both the 800 and the 1400?? Thanks guys, Sorry if it's confusing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathobes Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 That's plenty for both tanks I like having at least 2 filters running on any one tank to provide a backup if one fails. The turnover for both the 5ft and 3ft tanks are more than adequate. Have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I'd like the filtration on the 3ft to be a little higher as I plan to over stock. So running another canister would be fine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathobes Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Will be fine if the stock can handle a decent flow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 It's got africans in it. E. Blues, Yellows, Red zebs, peacock and loads of catties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathobes Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 A 3ft overstocked with Malawians.... Could have a problem, especially with the bigger species such as E.blues. Tank really isn't big enough. It would be big enough if it was (maybe) slightly overstocked with mbuna species. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I'm also looking at moving into a 4ft for the african set up. One of the reasons i want a bigger filter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathobes Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 4ft would be better. IMO in a 3ft tank with that list of stock you may encounter problems. The fishes growth will stunt if they stay in that size tank. A 3ft is a good size for an mbuna breeding colony though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Haha I'll look into the colony once I Upgrade the tank. Also what are the disadvantages of a power head compared to a canister as you can get some crazy output power heads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathobes Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Internal filters have no real benefits in the way of biological filtration. Canisters do a much better job. Internals really just pickup any floaties in your water, making it clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
