Filter size-tank size help

[TheMoneyTank(TMT)]

I have a 29G that I gravel vac monthly and 5G water change. It seems that my tank is always dirty. So what is the max filter i can use? I have the 20-40G pump now. Can i go one size bigger or create a current to keep everything flowing to the filter?

U can run any filter you want obviously canister filters are an option but for a small tank some good internal filter brands include oase internal filters for aquariums up to 200l which aren't too strong for flow but filter well and fluval u series the u4 as the best

 

[Hendre]

as far as your filtration, i recently read someone say that a canister is only half as effective as its rated capacity, and a hang on back is only a third. i typically agree with this, as ive found that hob filters generally are useless on bigger, deeper tanks.

so in other words, with your 29g tank, shoot for something rated at least 3 times that, hence why i recommended an ac110.

Where did you see this? Cans are also workhorses, my friend raises discus on a single canister with 2x turnover on 0 nitrites or ammonia

HOBS are awesome on small tanks

 

[Chockful O Phail]

as far as your filtration, i recently read someone say that a canister is only half as effective as its rated capacity, and a hang on back is only a third. i typically agree with this, as ive found that hob filters generally are useless on bigger, deeper tanks.

so in other words, with your 29g tank, shoot for something rated at least 3 times that, hence why i recommended an ac110.

An AC70 and a sponge filter would be more than enough for a 29. A 110 would just blow everyone around in that small of a tank.

 

[Randy West]

as far as your filtration, i recently read someone say that a canister is only half as effective as its rated capacity, and a hang on back is only a third. i typically agree with this, as ive found that hob filters generally are useless on bigger, deeper tanks.

so in other words, with your 29g tank, shoot for something rated at least 3 times that, hence why i recommended an ac110.

Thank you. Thars a handy pice of info. Will that fir my current lid size wise or will i have to modify the hole? In general of course as your not staring at my tank lol

 

[Gourami Swami]

In a small tank like this I tend to agree that there can be such a thing as too much flow. I would go for an AC 70. This will fit your tank and won't create a whirlpool. And will do a great job of filtering the tank, even alone. Again, I think maintenance is more important than the difference between an AC 70 and 110 here.
BTW, it's great that you are educating yourself and are willing to accept advice.

 

[Chockful O Phail]

What kind of filter is currently on the tank? When the Petsmart opens they should offer a good sale on equipment. I fully recommend a Fluval AC70, if you think you’ll upgrade to a bigger tank down the line consider the 110 and just turn it down. The tetra air pumps at Walmart aren’t actually all that bad. I’ve been playing with the Fluval Q pumps and they seem to be quiet and produce quite a bit of air. I personally love the aquatop CAF60 sponge filters. They don’t collapse over time like the Hydor sponges. Until you get there just vigorously shake/rinse off whatever media is in your current filter in a bucket of tank water every water change and that’ll help with water clarity.

 

[Backfromthedead]

An AC70 and a sponge filter would be more than enough for a 29. A 110 would just blow everyone around in that small of a tank.

overkill no doubt. i figured on the lowest power setting it wouldnt be too bad though. maybe im just forgetting how small a 29 is.

the ac70 would probably work better i guess.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Where did you see this? Cans are also workhorses, my friend raises discus on a single canister with 2x turnover on 0 nitrites or ammonia

HOBS are awesome on small tanks

honestly i was thinking you were the one suggesting that ratio lol.

i was just saying i like to utilize overmatching capabilities in my filtration. much like rolling into a paintball fight in a battle tank.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Thank you. Thars a handy pice of info. Will that fir my current lid size wise or will i have to modify the hole? In general of course as your not staring at my tank lol

the ac110 needs 13.5 inches lengthwise on the back of the tank. it needs 2 inches on the inner side and about 4.5 on the outer side of the tank.

for comparison the ac70 needs 8.5 inches lengthwise and is the same out and in.

 

[Randy West]

What kind of filter is currently on the tank? When the Petsmart opens they should offer a good sale on equipment. I fully recommend a Fluval AC70, if you think you’ll upgrade to a bigger tank down the line consider the 110 and just turn it down. The tetra air pumps at Walmart aren’t actually all that bad. I’ve been playing with the Fluval Q pumps and they seem to be quiet and produce quite a bit of air. I personally love the aquatop CAF60 sponge filters. They don’t collapse over time like the Hydor sponges. Until you get there just vigorously shake/rinse off whatever media is in your current filter in a bucket of tank water every water change and that’ll help with water clarity.

Its a hob for 20-40G not sure of make as tank was a gift.