Issues with stocking sites

[i_am_511]

I know everything nowdays has its pros and cons. Stocking sites are good but has anyone ran into something you found strange or didnt know? Aqadvisor has where you can pick what filters your running. Marineland Emperor 400 it says 44 Gallons and the Magnum 250 is 31 gallons. Perfectly comes out to 75 gallons. Does this mean that one is really 44 gallons and the other is 31 gallons and not really the 75 gallons that the Emperor 400 claims and 55 Gallon that the Magnum 250 claims? Just wondering cause ive always heard a filter is only almost half of what they claim to push out.

[MCHRKiller]

Most filter companies grossly over-rate their filters capacity. Its best to pay no attention to filter company claims and go by the GPH listed on the box. The Emp and Magnum combined will give you 650GPH which is a bit over 8X turnover per hour which is the recommended minimum for HOB filters. Even the GPH claim on filters is misleading as that is the maximum water flow that the filter is capable of not what it actually pumps loaded with media.

Anyway that filtration should be ok for a lightly to moderatly stocked 75G with smaller fish. But if your going to heavily stock it or stock it with larger fish definatly considering adding on another HOB or a canister filter.

[Northernguy]

I agree,you should try to get a larger filter.
I would look into a canister filer for your tank.I really like my Rena xp3.
Its a great filter and much cheaper than some other brands.

[i_am_511]

Its alot of misleading things in the fish world. Its a shame cause I can see someone getting there 1st tank and going to the store and getting the filter made for the exact size gallon. And wonder why there fish are dying. I have a 33 gallon tank and i have no clue what i even want to stock it with dont even know what kinda filter i want either.

[MCHRKiller]

Yep, thats the way it goes. Those tank kits are also the same way, all come with inadequate filtration and then newbs stock up up to the brim and wonder why the fish die and the water looks nasty.

[yhbae]

I get a tonne of complaints that aqadvisor.com doesn't report manufacturer quoted numbers and use them. So far, I must have explained about 100 times that you should not use those numbers. Everyone here answered it correctly - you need to add some cushion. The current build of aqadvisor.com uses 65% of the manufacturer number, which is already boosted from 55% I was using earlier on. In the past, I always suggested to go 2x what manufacturer claims and worked very well for all of my own and friend's tanks. I think 65% is ok.

[i_am_511]

Yea i understand. I understood before i even wrote it to be honest. Its just a subject im sure some people get twisted and mixd and confused with. 650GPH on my 75 gallon. And i just brought a AC 50(200) for my 33gallon i had actually wanted to buy maybe something bigger then that but $16.99 was too good to pass up on.

[yhbae]

Yea i understand. I understood before i even wrote it to be honest. Its just a subject im sure some people get twisted and mixd and confused with. 650GPH on my 75 gallon. And i just brought a AC 50(200) for my 33gallon i had actually wanted to buy maybe something bigger then that but $16.99 was too good to pass up on.

Its a good deal. I'm sure you will get into multiple tank syndrome eventually and you will find a way to use it on other tanks... haha. :lol:

[jaysee]

Yea i understand. I understood before i even wrote it to be honest. Its just a subject im sure some people get twisted and mixd and confused with. 650GPH on my 75 gallon. And i just brought a AC 50(200) for my 33gallon i had actually wanted to buy maybe something bigger then that but $16.99 was too good to pass up on.

I would put 2 AC50's on your 33. If the current is too strong, you can always turn the flow back on one of them, and you sill get the benefit of all that extra media.

[Deleted User]

Its alot of misleading things in the fish world. Its a shame cause I can see someone getting there 1st tank and going to the store and getting the filter made for the exact size gallon. And wonder why there fish are dying. I have a 33 gallon tank and i have no clue what i even want to stock it with dont even know what kinda filter i want either.
You are very right!

Think if you get a 10g starter kit, or take a look at them next time you're in the pet-shop. Notice ALL the fish pictured on it as pretty much "suggested stocking" (like a "serving suggestion" pictured on packaged foods). Or those 2 gallon "goldfish starter kits", the unheated and unfiltered 1/2 gallon "tanks" they sell for bettas, ETC.

There's so much room for a person to have all the best intentions and end up housing creatures in essentially inhumane conditions.

[i_am_511]

Another Site Fish sheets said 4 angels and a african butterfly was HIGH but survival for a 55 gallon

[Lady Hobbs]

Most filter state "up to" sizes, as well, such as "will filter a 30 to 55 gallon tank. It depends on stocking. The more fish or the size of fish is really the deciding factor, IMO.