Question about filtration...

[Mrshoe]

I have a 10 gallon with a penguin 150. I was wondering if this was too much filter? I know it is rated for 30, but I will probably be upgrading to a 29 gallon soon. Just wanting to know if you can "overfilter" the water.

Thanks in advance.

[Trixie]

I think it should be ok. The only thing that may or may not be an issue is if the current of the filter is so strong that it bothers some small fish. And that can be quickly remedied with a "diverter" made from a water bottle.

[joephys]

You can't really over filter your tank, unless like Trixie said, you have so much that the fish are being tossed around the tank. I am sure that that isn't the case with that filter on a ten gallon. You might even find that it isn't enough for a 29 gallon since filters are usually over rated. For example, I have a 29 that had a filter rated for a 50 gallon aquarium. It was barely adequate.

[Mrshoe]

all good info. thanks again

[wesleydnunder]

You can never have too much flow. The fish are easier to see when they're pinned against the front glass.

Mark

[SaraB]

Oh, that did make me chuckle

[Mrshoe]

Question on the diverter that Trixie mentioned. How do I make one? I'll try a search. Any help would be appreciated.

[zippo]

ALL Mfgr's overate their filters, so this one is good for a 10.

[Trixie]

It is actually very easy to make a flow diverter for a HOB filter.
You take a plastic soda or water bottle and cut off the top and bottom. That leaves you with a plastic tube. You then cut lengthwise down the tube, so it looks more like a C. You hook one end of it under the outflow "lip" and the other end curves up over the filter. Some people use a bit of duct tape to secure the "diverter" but I found that the glass canopy will hold it against the filter quite effectively. Hope that this explanation is understandable...

[Mrshoe]

Oh, I see. Thanks Trix

[Trixie]

It's inexpensive, simple, effective and you can barely see it.

[mvigor]

I have a 20 gallon tank running a Penguin 150, a Whisper 30/60 and a powerhead driven UGF. If you believe their rating systems, I've got enough filter for 110+ gallons. I keep a goldfish and a couple snails in there in my wife's Kindergarten classroom.

[ScottoMacD]

I have always gone with the theory of 10 to 15 times turnover when it comes to filtration on any of my tanks.

Some of the bigger ones I have gotten away with 8 times but even with my 220 I had to go minimum 10 times.

Filtration is something IMO that you can never have enough of. That was instilled into me as a boy when I started this hobby 30 years ago.

I also prefer numerous smaller filters to one large one. Just a piece of mind thing.

I still believe in it and I still preach it when I'm asked.

Now in a smaller tank like a 10 or 15 one filter will suffice but it has to be a higher rated filter than any manufacturer recommends. Basically because as previously stated this hobby is now big business (unlike the old days) and BS reigns. Over rate your product and Sell sell sell.

If you get them (the customer) to by a filter that just meets their current needs they will be back to buy another when those needs change.

[TwoTankAmin]

I have an underfiltered 29. I has two AquaClears- one 200 gph and one 100 gph.

[ScottoMacD]

Originally Posted by TwoTankAmin

I have an underfiltered 29. I has two AquaClears- one 200 gph and one 100 gph.

Technically that isn't.

If you go by what hagen says. Thats 300 GPH 10X
Realistically it is probably 7 to 8X which as long as the tank is not over stocked is acceptable by my personal specs (which really means nothing to anyone but me)