Hmm... Over kill?

BMueller777 · 02-22-2007, 08:35 PM

Would 2 Emperor 400's on a 55g be over kill?

Also what are some other good H.O.B. filters?

What's better? Canister or H.O.Bs?

Do tell

Tommy Gun · 02-22-2007, 08:58 PM

There is a pretty common saying in this hobby that goes something to the effect of "there is no such thing as overfiltration, only wasted filtration". So, IMHO, my answer would be no, it is not overkill, however there are other things to consider other than just the filtration that a filter adds to a tank such as water movement that the filters create and of course, can you/are you willing to maintain the two filters and pay for the electric and filter media. I realize that cost is not always a consideration for most of us since we dont think about it until the time comes to buy more media or pay the electric bill, but it is still a consideration.

I am pretty sure that a good debate can be made for both HOB filters and cannister filters. I recently got a cannister, my first one, for my saltwater tank and it has been nothing but a pain for me...not in that it wont do its job or I cant get it to work, but that it pumps bubbles into my tank too much in my opinion. Obviously that could just be my specific filter, or operator error...probrably a combination of both. I know a lot of people say that cans are better because there is no way for the water to bypass the filter media, which does make sense since if an HOB filter gets clogged, the water can usually just flow off to the side of it and miss the media completely...although I was proven wrong on that once and my HOB filter drained my tank almost completely. Still, if a cannister filter gets clogged, I have heard very bad situations come to fruition and a mess is going to be made. I havent had that happen to me yet since my can is still new, but I have read quite a few posts on that sort of thing.

On my freshwater tanks, I use dual HOB filters and I like them because they are quiet (even though I know some people dont like them because they are louder, but I never had that issue yet). I also like them because they are easy to get at and honestly, I dread having to open my cannister filter because that means the bubble issue is going to get worse for a couple of days thereafter.

Hope this helps get you started at least!
TG

BMueller777 · 02-22-2007, 09:17 PM

The $ isn't an issue, I'm only 16 so I don't pay any bills... yet... lol
What's IMHO?
What HOB filters do you have/had/run?
Do you have the Fluval 405 that's giving you the bubble problem?
If so, might sound a little crazy, but shake the SOB for like 2 minutes straight to get all the air out and then check the connections and also your intake in the tank if you have an air stone near by (my friend had a problem just like yours and that's how it was fixed

)

Achilles · 02-22-2007, 11:27 PM

IMHO = In my humble opinion, and one of my clients runs that exact set of filters on his 55 and it is a Very healthy tank, of course i like to credit that to him having such a Bright and wonderful aquarium man , but i think the over filtration helps too!
Todd

jd@ga · 02-22-2007, 11:28 PM

BMueller777 , I always say you can never have too much filtration. I have owned at one time or another every kind of filter except wet/dry . That`s good advice " shake the SOB" ! I had to do that w/a Magnum 350 before! I don't think your situation is too much.
Good hob- Penguin 350b ,Emperor 280/400
Good canisters- Rena Filstar xp1,2,3 , Fluval105-405 .
These are some of my favorites.

gm333 · 02-22-2007, 11:43 PM

Overkill hah never heard of it(LOL) I run two filters on my 55, a rena xp3 cannister and an emperor 400. I alternate the filter cleaning. I like the double setup because I can clean one filter totally and not have to worry about my bioload going out of whack.

Bad Kitty · 02-23-2007, 12:24 PM

If your fish cant swim anymore because there is too much current in the tank, then you might have to much filtration.

lol

BMueller777 · 02-24-2007, 09:16 AM

Can you do a Sump filitration on a freshwater tank? If so how big does the sump have to be? Every and all information will be greatly appriciated (sp?) lol

jd@ga · 02-24-2007, 11:36 AM

Sure I have seen it done lots of times. I `m not sure but I think it`s like 20% for what ever size you have. Ex. 100gal. tank you need at least a 20gal sump. Anyone want to correct me here if I`m wrong . thanks.

BJP · 02-24-2007, 04:01 PM

You could always just get the Emporer 280's then if you really aren't happy or get a craving for river fish that like churning current then replace the impellers with impellers for the Emporer 400's to supercharge the 280's.