Is a Penn Plax 700 Canister enough Filtration for a 55 gallon?

[SW Florida Kid]

I have a Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter 700. It states on the box, it's good for up to a 65 gallon tank.

It pumps 185 GPH and has bio-floss media and bio-sponge media in the canister along with a carbon mesh bag in the center.

Is this enough?

[Northernguy]

Its a great start!
It really depends on how you stock the tank.
I would consider an ac70 or 110 to go with it.

[SW Florida Kid]

Its a great start!
It really depends on how you stock the tank.
I would consider an ac70 or 110 to go with it.

I'm planning to do an African Cichlid tank with:

5 electric yellows
5 red zebras
5 cobalt blues

[Northernguy]

Then definately get another filter to go with it.
Its amazing the difference that two filters makes in the tank.thumbs2:

[SW Florida Kid]

Then definately get another filter to go with it.
Its amazing the difference that two filters makes in the tank.thumbs2:


Ok... so not the powerhead... I need to get the filter one. right?

http://www.ultimateaquariumservices.com/shop/index.php?p=product&id=1060&parent=5


Is is loud? My Penn Plax Canister is dead quiet... I can't even hear it... will the aquaclear be the same way... are they easy to deal with and set up?

[annageckos]

Yes, the AC filter. I have two running in my bedroom and can't hear them as long as the water level is up. If it drops you get a waterfall sound but that is it. They are very easy to set up.

[SW Florida Kid]

Yes, the AC filter. I have two running in my bedroom and can't hear them as long as the water level is up. If it drops you get a waterfall sound but that is it. They are very easy to set up.


I was looking at it... that's a lot of filtration. lol

AC 70 is : 300 GPH
Penn Plax 700 is : 185 GPH

I have a 55 gal tank. This seems right to you guys?

Or can I get a AC 50 : 200 GPH?

I just don't have that much more money to throw at my tank.

I've already spent $480 on my tank, stand, hood, lights, gravel, plants, aeration, bubble bars, background, and penn plax filter.

The AC 70 is $53 and the AC50 is $41 and the AC30 is $36.

[rich311k]

The AC70 combined with your cannister will do a more than adequate job.

[SW Florida Kid]

The AC70 combined with your cannister will do a more than adequate job.

Ok. thanks.

I didn't realize how expensive the fish hobby is. It's crazy. I was looking to spending at max, $200... I've spent nearly $500 so far and I still need an AC70, not to mention the price of the fish! (blush) wow... (overwhelmed)

[rich311k]

Be happy you did not decide on a high tech planted tank.

[MCHRKiller]

The AC50s dont usually mount well to the side of a 55G tank...the lip on the tank is usually to wide for the filter to sit all the way down on the tank rim. Honestly since your going with such a high bioload and african cichlids I would look at actually getting an AC110 or an XP3 canister to run along with your Cascade.

[cichlids209]

having african cichlids is Never cheap . id say there one of the most expensive FW fish to own including set up and fish costs but there well worth it

[lowlight]

I can't remember the proper flow rate though I'm sure that one of the other members of AC does. I have a Rena Xp3 on my 55 gal community tank and as a personal rule of thumb a filter that can handle twice what the tank is has worked for me. I would also get the AC 70 if it were me, it might cost a little more although it will save you more in the long run.