I hear of people doing this often. When is it appropriate? How do you know how to size the second filter? Do you get the same as you already have, or do you get a slightly smaller one just to help out with the load? Maybe you should just replace your current filter with one that is larger?
I have a Marineland Bio-Wheel 150gph rated by the manufacturer as good for up to 30 gallons. Since my tank is 28 gallons, I'm assuming that my filter is working as hard as it can and could perhaps use a boost from either a second filter, or just being replaced with a larger filter.
Aside from knowing how to size the second filter, how do you know what kind to get? HOB, internal, corner, under gravel...
And is there a gold standard that those in the know always use? The Whisper filters sound intriguing because my Marineland is kind of noisy, but the Marineland seems like a higher quality filter overall. ?
If your going to upgrade your filter then theres no point in putting 2 filters in IMO. I have a 29 gallon tank and I had the original filter in (20-40). Well my pump got a short in it not sure whats wrong but I went and got a 30-60 whisper power filter and its pretty quiet and does a hell of a lot better job keeping my tank clear than the 20-40.
If you don't plan on upgrading and have a smaller filter available to you then put it in it will def. help. You always want to go twice or even 3 times the limit of your tank for a filter.
If you have a 28 gallon tank I would suggest just spending money on 1 bigger HOB filter. Unless you have some money to play with I don't really see spending a lot of money on a nice canister filter.
But if you upgrade your tank to a bigger size youll probably want a canister filter or sump as HOB filters aren't really adequate for bigger tanks.
-Serial
Before i upgraded my 20 gallon tank to a hagen 110 {110 gallon tank capacity} i ran a whisper 30 and a whisper 15 HOB filters i had ehiem mech in both filters {no factory cartridges} and a carbon bag in the bigger one - -and it kept my tank really nice {nicer than this monster HOB i have now actually} but with 2 power heads, a heater, two filters and a HOB skimmer......my poor little tank looked more like a sump than a display tank...............so i bought the bigger filter and took out one of the power heads......................I actually like the concept of two filters [and might be going back to it] as you can clean one, one week and the other the next , so each filter is getting serviced every two weeks without messing with the bactieria balance in the tank....but if you have a smaller tank they can congest things up pretty quickly...............Boss
My opinion on this is that the more the better with filtration. Especially if you don't have live plants. I use a canister filter that's rated to filter a 175 gallon tank and a powerhead with a sponge filter for my 35 gallon long planted tank and I never have issues with ammonia or nitrites, or nitrates for that matter.
You'll rarely have problems if you over filter IMO.
I agree with snowboss (and personally prefer two filters), because with two filters you can service one while the other remains stable with beneficial bacteria. Also, if for whatever reason one filter goes down or clogs or shorts... you have a back up filter running with beneficials, and your fish wont suffer or die. Plus with two filters you have more room within each to add additional media... with one you are constrained to its internal area.
I have one penguin biowheel and one whisper... the whisper is quieter, but no biowheel, so pros and cons to each. I hear canisters are efficient but harder to clean. So it depends on your preference. But as far as number of filters, to me it seems like diversifying your risk... the more you have, the less chance for a catastrophe to bring down your whole system.
Wow, what great input. All great ideas. I do like the idea of having 2 filters so that if one goes down, one is still running adequately for the tank. I've been at this for only 7 weeks and I've already had a heater die on me. Thank god PetsMart was still open. Clearly, it is in my tank's best interest to have additional filtration, I will do that.
but i like to have several filters... at least 3 per tank... since i have lots of tanks i'm always going thru filters like crazy... at least 5 of them give out yearly...
i recomend another penguin 150... they're cheap, work great and you will have 300GPH on the tank without adding powerheads or anything... plus, a tank isn't a qube... you want water circulating thru the entire tank not just the middle or the side... so before you end up getting a case of the tank goblins and end up without a working filter, i recomend getting two penguins...
and another thing... go to www.petsmart.com print out what ever you want to buy and they will match the online price... that's freaken awesome IMO...
I say, "filter filter filter".... The best idea was the post above. alternate the weeks you maintain the filters. You will always have good bacteria moving through your aquarium. (Take care of your good bacteria and they will take care of your fish)
Great example. On my 75gal, African Cichlid tank I use 3 filters. Emporer 400 (HOB) with two bio wheels, Magnum 350 Canister That I use entirely for Mechanical filtration, and The Fluval 405 Canister with all four chambers filled with media.. Each filter could thereotically filter the entire tank on its own. However I have over 30 fish. The result??? Crystal clear water with Healthy healthy fish.
Take note,,,,,, No amount of filters takes the place of regular water changes.....
I am having 1 filter in my 72 gallon aquarium --> Eheim 2215. But I am considering buying a second one. Ilike external canister filters. You could put them in a cabinet under you aquarium...kind of hide them...I think I will go with Fluval 305...I would like to set them up along in a different corners of my aquarium
Im a big fan of the fluval Canister filters.... So easy to use, no mess..... The magnum350 I have is a huge pain in the A$$.. It does do a good job. But geeze!!!!
Yeah I really would go with the Fluval 305.... It gives you the freedom to choose ur own media. And yes. Its pretty easy to hide..
I have a Magnum as well as a Rena Filstar xp3. I like the looks and the high flow of the magnum, but it's not as versatile as canister filters with stacking trays like the Filstar and the Fluval.
The Rena Filstar doesn't look as cool as the Fluval, but I found that it had more capacity for filter medium and was a lot cheaper. It takes a little experience to maintain a head of water while cleaning, as priming is a hassle, but I love em.
I can even use it as a diffuser (all canister filters would be good for this) for co2 by running the co2 through the filter.
Peterkarig,
I ve never had the Rena, but everyone who has had one seems to be impressed. Im about ready to break my magnum, and take it back and get another Fluval. I hate working with it, but it does perform well.
"I can even use it as a diffuser (all canister filters would be good for this) for co2 by running the co2 through the filter."
