New (to me) 55 long, will this filtration be enough?

[terd ferguson]

I just bought a used 55 long. It came with an Emperor 280. These are supposed to be rated for up to 50 gallons. Once I add gravel, wood, plants, etc., I'm sure the actual capacity will be 50 gallons or less. Will this be enough filtration? Logic says yes, but conventional wisdom says more is better.

I plan on keeping African cichlids in this tank. How many fish should I stock with this filter (if it's enough)? If I need more filtration, would 2 of the Emperor 280's be adequate? And how many cichlids can I stock with 2 Emperor 280's?

Or, recommend something else to go along with the 280. Cost is, as always, a factor. Less is better in that case. And, as always, thanks in advance for any and all help and/or suggestions.

 

[mgctutor]

I run a emperor 400 & a whisper 30 on mine, and I just keep one fish and a few feeders. Kinda depends on how many Africans your going to sick in there. If it was me... I would get another emp. Go the extra 10 bucks or so and get the emp 400. three bio-wheels are better than two. Feed with confidence...

 

[terd ferguson]

I run a emperor 400 & a whisper 30 on mine, and I just keep one fish and a few feeders. Kinda depends on how many Africans your going to sick in there. If it was me... I would get another emp. Go the extra 10 bucks or so and get the emp 400. three bio-wheels are better than two. Feed with confidence...

So, how many Africans would be ok with 2 280's? Same question with 1 280 and 1 400? Thanks in advance.

 

[mgctutor]

Well, that all kinda depends on you. How often you feed, how much you feed how often you do water changes. I must have had 20 in mine. With a couple parrots. When it comes to Africans the more the better for them. When the aggressors chase they get sidetracked by the others... Just start slow and go from there. Keep a close eye the ammonia and nitrite levels till you get comfortable with your habits and your inhabitants....

 

[terd ferguson]

Well, that all kinda depends on you. How often you feed, how much you feed how often you do water changes. I must have had 20 in mine. With a couple parrots. When it comes to Africans the more the better for them. When the aggressors chase they get sidetracked by the others... Just start slow and go from there. Keep a close eye the ammonia and nitrite levels till you get comfortable with your habits and your inhabitants....

I am prepared to do whatever is neccessary for a happy and healthy tank. For reference, in my 54 corner tank, I have 13 africans and a plecos with 5 tetras and a gourami (the tetras and gourami are leftover from a friend's old tropical setup). I feed twice a day, what I think is a small amount. I change 20% (12 gallons) once a week. Water test results are within the normal range.

Considering the new 55 long setup, I would like to put about 20 africans in there (if it's not too much) with the same kinds of feeding and water changes. Ideally, I'd like to not have to spend more money on another filter, but will if neccessary.

Once I get the stand for the new 55 built, I'll put the tetras and gourami in there to get it started. The Emperor 280 bio wheel was run for about 3 months by the previous owner, but has been dry for a little while (a couple of months). Will this be a problem?

So, considering my wants and my maintenance/feeding habits, will the 280 support 20 Africans? If not, will 2 280's support 20 Africans? And if not, will the 280 and a 400 support the 20 Africans? Sorry for so many questions and thanks for the help.

 

[mgctutor]

will 2 280's support 20 Africans? I don't know. You should try it. A little experimentation goes a long way with this hobby. I would get the emp 400 to go along w/the 280 you have... If the wheel only ran for three months there cant be much growth on it... I would get the setup started and let the cycle begin. The BB will grow again...

 

[CTU2fan]

Yep if the filter's been down for months it will need to be cycled as a new one.

What are you filtering the 54 with? One thing you could try is putting the Emp280 on that tank and your current (cycled) filter on the 55. Also re: cost you can probably find a decent deal on either an Emp400 or an AC110.

 

[ksfishguy]

My neighbor runs two 400's on his 75 with a ga-zillion africans, I know he over feeds, but his water is always crystal clear, he also does a lot of water changes. I think you would be fine with 2 280's, but a 400 would be better. What about a cannister in lue of another hob?

 

[terd ferguson]

Yep if the filter's been down for months it will need to be cycled as a new one.

What are you filtering the 54 with? One thing you could try is putting the Emp280 on that tank and your current (cycled) filter on the 55. Also re: cost you can probably find a decent deal on either an Emp400 or an AC110.

I've had some other folks recommend the AC110. I'm going to do some more research on them (I just don't know anything about them). I'm still kind of new to this hobby (1 year with cichlids). Thanks for the advice.

 

[fote03]

I use AC110. They are the best HOB filters! I don't like cleaning tank so i run two on a 55 and i have 2 plus a wet dry that moves about 700gph on my 135.