Filter for a 29 Gallon

Discussion in 'Fish Filters' started by Emilio84, Sep 7, 2008.

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  1. Emilio84

    Emilio84 Plankton

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    So I have a new 29 gallon tank I'm setting up and was curious about how much filter power I need for a tropical tank. I have a fancy goldfish tank (29 gal....which pretty much mirrors this tank..same stand, hood, air pump, etc) that I run an emperor 400 on as conventional wisdom suggests a flow rate of 10x the tank capacity for GF as they are waste factories.

    I have an Aquaclear 30 sitting around and wasn't sure if it was enough for a 29 gallon tank as it only flows 150gph and thats "optimal." I was considering getting either another Aquaclear 30 or another Emperor Series filter. If I went with the emperor I'd most likely get a 280 but considering the 400 is only $7 more I might end up going with that.


    What would you do?
     
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  3. spiralout

    spiralout Astrea Snail

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    the difference is in how many fish you'll be keeping in the tank. more fish require more biofiltration. an aquaclear'll keep a few alive no problem. 'undergravel' airpump driven filters are an inexpensive and effective addition. you've got the aq layin around, why not try it for starters and upgrade based on your nitrate tests? XD

    good luck
    spiral
     
  4. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

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    Is this tropical as in freshwater tropical?

    I think it would be fine to be honest, they are quite hardy, i use a simple trickle filter on my tropical tank, and i've actually crammed that full of fish. No problems to date!!

    And gold fish, i'd only be running a really simple filter, they are so hard to kill, and they live forever!

    But thats just my opinoin!
     
  5. Emilio84

    Emilio84 Plankton

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    Yes, fresh water tropicals. I'm going to run the AC 30 for now and keep an eye on my nitrates like Spiral said... if I can't keep them under 20 with bi weekly water changes (5 gals or so) I'll just upgrade to an Emperor. Its only $32 on drsfostersmith.com so its not a big deal as I'd prolly keep the AC around for other tanks or as an emergency backup....

    As for Goldies... they are hardy but they are also notoriously dirty fish and if you're not running a hefty filter you're gonna need to do lots of water changes to keep water params in check. Sure you could toss them in a bowl (which is cruel....for any fish) but there is a huge difference between a goldfish in an overstocked tank with an underpowered filter and a healthy fish in a species tank with ample filtering and space. Just my 2 cents.
     
  6. Emilio84

    Emilio84 Plankton

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    My 2 goldies are in another 29 gal tank I have with a 400gph filter. Its fine. The question was more related to the AC 30 in my tropical tank.
     
  7. Emilio84

    Emilio84 Plankton

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    Sounds good. I do about a 25% water change on both tanks weekly so I think I should be fine. Levels are fine when I test them prior to the water changes.
     
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  9. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    I have an aquaclear 70 on my reef. I know this is for freshwater, but the aquaclear 70 flows 300gph. You said 10x turnover, so that would just about be perfect.