Is my Filter Adequate?

[enzof9]

Hi everyone :), I'm not sure if my filter is strong enough for my aquarium. I might be right or wrong. It's a Fluval 204 and it's filtering out a 35g freshwater community tank. None of the fish are any longer than 2 and a half inches. It's stocked with at least 15 guppies, at least 10 sword tails and 2 very shy yellow gouramis. Thanks

[Strider199]

That filter is rated at around 35-37 gallons so it's pushing it on a 35 gallon tank thats stocked with alot of fish. For extra oxygen try an air stone or get a second filter like a bio-wheel HOB to help with the load. Check your water parameters to see how the nitrates are. Water changes help reduce the bio load until you can find another way of getting the waste down.

[enzof9]

Thanks for the answer, parameters are good and I currently have 2 air pumps running, i'll try to see if i can get my hands on an emperor 200 (I think that's what I was looking at in the store). Would I be able to get away with just changing the 205 of the water every week?

[Lady Hobbs]

I would pass on the Emporer and get an Aqua Clear. Far better filter, far more water flow and never any media to replace. Emporers are not the greatest filter around. I'd get at least an AC 70 and maybe even a 100.

[mermaidwannabe]

The rating on a filter should be at least twice the amount of the gallonage of your tank. An AquaClear 110 should work very well for you. You wouldn't even need an airstone if you had one of those with the flow control valve fully open for maximum flow. It's one powerful filter that's also easy to maintain. You should put a prefilter sponge on its intake tube.

-- mermaidwannabe

[enzof9]

thanks, i'll look into the Aquaclear 70, 100 and 110. I'll consult you fellows before I make the purchase.