How much filtration for the 10 gallons?

[gm72]

I want to upgrade the HOB filters on my 10s and wonder which model of Aquaclear to get (yes I am set on the Aquaclears). I am thinking about the model 30, but I wonder if the model 50 would be okay or would it create too much flow? I'm thinking it would be too much flow, but what is your opinion? Thank you!

[cocoa_pleco]

my aquaclear mini is perfect for my 10g

[gm72]

Is the mini the model 20? Do you ever wish you had more flow than what the mini provides? I typically like to go overboard on the filtration.

[cocoa_pleco]

no idea. I have a aquaclear 150 on my 20g, and i bought the mini used with no instructions or anything for my 10g.

I did have a whisper with the aquaclear on the 10, but put the whisper in my 10g.

The mini is really good. For some reason, there is never waste in my 10g. I havent vacuumed for a month, just change water.

For a 55g, i would personally use canister filters. For 20g's and up, i have always used canister filters. The reason i dont have a canister on my 20 is it was the aquahome set and the hood only allows for a aquaclear 150 or smaller

[Chrona]

Aquaclear has 2 names for each of it's filters. One is the flow rating (gal/hour), one is the tank rating.

Mini(20) is 100
30 is 150
50 is 200
70 is 300
110 is 428 (?? lol)

A 100 will work fine for a 10g, since it turns it over 10 times an hour, which is plenty. The 150 is borderline. I personally don't like that much flow in my tanks, but if you have very active fish, then they can cope. The 200 would be overkill. Your fish would be swimming in a whirlpool lol.

[cocoa_pleco]

i know. The names are SO confusing for those dang things!:1:

[Sasquatch]

Is the mini the model 20? Do you ever wish you had more flow than what the mini provides? I typically like to go overboard on the filtration.

I have an Aquaclear Mini (20) on my 10 gal and it's fine. The water is clean, clear and the water chemistry is good, despite being somewhat overloaded with fish.

The Mini is rated for a 20 gallon tank (why it's also called an Aquaclear 20) so on a 10g, it's good. I'd only consider upgrading to a bigger filter if you have really dirty fish.

[Lady Hobbs]

10 gallons get dirtier than the larger tanks so I would go with as much as you can but make sure the opening will fit what you chose. My emperor 400 just b-a-r-e-l-y fits the opening to my 55 gallon and not even a spot to run an airline it's soooo tight.

You need to consider the fish as well. Will you have several small fish (go bigger) or just a betta (stay with what you have.) Betta's don't like a much water movement.

[gm72]

Great advice, thank you all. Think I'll go with the mini. I don't want to plaster my fish to the walls of the aquarium.