New 55 gal up and running- filtertration question

[Bur01014]

Hey all, just got my 55 gal filled, installed my 2 already cycled filters on it and used cycled gravel as well. Hopefully this will speed up the process, if not be instantly cycled, for my fish's sake. Anyways, so I have a Aqua Clear 30 and another few month old Aqueon 30 HOB filter. I have both of those running on my 55 gallon as of now. I went out and bought a Aqua Clear 70 filter today to add to my tank for filtration. It is brand new and needs the media to be cycled....anyways, are those two 30 rated filters and my new AC 70 filter enough for my tank? I planning to fully stock the tank to it's maximum. My amateur instinct thinks I will be plenty filtered.....however after reading through the forums so people seem under filtered, while others seem to have some over kill going on. Any feedback and insight would be appreciated! Thanks

P.S. What are some low light plants that are easy to maintain, will help take up nitrates, and not shed dead leaves everywhere.....probably impossible, but had to ask.....i like the look of the "sword" type plant. Also my gravel is just normal petsmart pebble type rock....can i leave the plants in the pots they come in? Thanks all!

[Needi]

With those 3 filters I do think you have significant filtration, unless you stock the tank with messy eaters. As for the plants: java moss/ java ferns and perhaps anubias would satisfy your low light plant crave. As for the substrate/potted plant part I'm no expert but I do know there are a lot better substrates for plants. Best of luck!

[MCHRKiller]

I would say your filtration is adequate for a moderately stocked tank. If your looking to stock your tank to the max...then I dont personally think your filtration could handle that.

What fish are you planning on keeping? Whats your lighting?

[Bur01014]

I guess I should be careful when using the phrase "stocking my tank to the max." I guess i just want a full tank....got 6 tiger barbs, bush fish, and kissing gourami right now. Not totally sure where I'll go next...eventually when some algae comes on I plan to get a pleco (bush nose preferably due to size) Anyways, it sounds like my filtration should be fine, unless i get on the verge of overstocking, then perhaps I would need another aqua clear 70 and take off the two 30s? Thanks for the quick reply guys, appreciate the help! As for lighting, I just have stock hoods (2) that come with a 55 gallon all glass aquarium. From what I understand it is very weak and will have to switch the lighting out? They are just 18inch bulbs, but tank is next too two large windows. I usually shut the blinds during the day, because I heard sunlight all day isn't the greatest....but perhaps it would help the plants?

[Bur01014]

wow....just saw how i spelled filtration in my title heading.....shouldn't be posting at 1 a.m. i guess.......just too excited for finally getting my tank set up tonight! :)