Best filtration for a 40G long?

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wolfsburgfanatic

wolfsburgfanatic

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 17, 2008
1,121
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Frederick, MD
The tank in question is a 40G Long - 48x13x16. Current filtration is two Aquatech 30-60s (basically a Penguin 330), each pushing 330 gph . Stocking so far is 2 african butterfly fish (one has been removed to QT due to bullying) and a senegal bichir.

The problem is that there just seems to be too much current and too much surface agitation for the Butterfly fish. With both filters on the butterfly just stays pinned to the back wall, not even coming out if food is offered, and with one filter off I don't feel like the tank is circulating like it should. I would like to add a school of congo tetras in the next week or so, but I don't know how they'll cope with the current as it is now.

Any suggestions? I'm thinking of changing out the aquatechs for 2 Aquaclear 30s as I have one on my 20G and it does a great job, and is adjustable for feeding, but I'm open to any ideas :thumbsup:
 
Have you thought of trying a small canister like a fluval 205? then you can set the outlet a little deeper. and not mess with the top of the water.
 
koop171;2138379; said:
Have you thought of trying a small canister like a fluval 205? then you can set the outlet a little deeper. and not mess with the top of the water.
Click to expand...

Good idea, put the intake at one end and the output at the opposite end for good tank circulation. You will need some surface aggitation though for proper oxygen exchange, so maybe add an air stone.
 
Yea canisters are great for not disturbing the water all across the top.
 
thanks for the fast response guys :thumbsup:

I've thought about canister filters, but my understanding is that they need to be directly underneath the aquarium and my stand is a wooden cabinet with no room or provision for that. Also $110+ is a bit more than I should really spend right now.

Canisters are an option if I can figure out how to rig it, but are there any HOB options that would work? I see the fluval 205 is only 180gph, so maybe just less powerful filters would do the trick (though with the senegal and possibly adding a delhezi in the future I'd hate to lose too much flow).
 
Most HOB filters have a lip that forces the water away from the filter horizonally. If you were to remove the lip, the water could continue downward reducing surface currents.
 
ccranford27;2138832; said:
use a wet dry, than you can easily direct the flow
Click to expand...

Welcome fellow Coloradian:)

If he doesn't have room for a canister under his tank, then for sure a wet/dry will not fit.
 
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