Filter question

[ddavis1979]

I bought a 20 gallon long off craigslist and it came with an "AquaClear 20 Power Filter" with Sponge and bio balls for filtration.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/aquaclea...-filter-20-gal

I thought it would be neccesary to get a 2nd filter so I got a Aqueon Quiet Flow 10.

http://www.aqueonproducts.com/produc...ilter74412.htm

The Aqueon Quiet flow is very strange and didnt know if anyone has good or bad opinions on this model. THe biological filtration is just the plastis pillars that dont seem to be very effective. Should I take this back and get something different?

[Lady10Godiva]

If I were you I would probably take it back just because you want 40 gallons worth of filtration on that tank amd that will only make 30. You can put the second filter on the other end of the tank to avoid dead spots since it is long. Another aquaclear filter would be great because there are no cartidges to wear out, just really the foam inserts and those last a very long time.

If concerned about price difference buy the new filter online, way cheaper.

[Cermet]

Also, bio-balls are very poor compared to ceramic noodles (vastly more area for bacteria growth.) Get a filter that can hold the ceramic noodles and phase out the bio-balls also with ceramic noodles.

[Knightia]

+1 that you want at least twice the rating for your tank size.

[ddavis1979]

Both models have the same specifications, 100GPH with Max tank size at 20 gallons. I feel very comfortable with those specs.

[mrramsey]

I agree... I would take the aqueon quiet flow back. I had one on my 55g. there just is not enough bio filtration to them. Get another AquaClear but as others have said get twice the filtration. Like the AC50.

As best I understand a good rule of thumb is to half the manufactures spec on the GPH rating to accommodate for the filter media. You also want a filter that is big enough to handle the entire tanks needs in case one fails.

[Imma24]

+1 to all of the above advice - feeling comfortable with what the boxes say does not mean it's adequate filtration. If "up to 20gal" were accurate, no one here would be recommending otherwise. Boxes that fish tanks come in also have pictures of fish that don't belong in them.

Having filtration for at least double the size of your tank is important so there is enough bio media to house sufficient bacteria to handle the ammonia of a fully stocked tank.

[Jaster]

You could also add a sponge fiter for extra bio instead. You'll also get added aeration. I do this with most of my tanks. I place the hob at one end of the tank and the sponge at the other.

[ddavis1979]

Thanks for the info, I would definitely choose aqua clear over aqueon at this point.