Powerhead (is it a good idea) and Water Changes

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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MattDunbar

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2010
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Brampton, ON, Canada
Okay, 2 really quick questions I have here.

#1. Is a powerhead a good idea in a 30gal? I've read that they are good for cichlids (which I have), but the article pertained to larger cichlids (mine are all under 1.5in) and larger tanks. I do have a pump (I think thats what its called, it circulates air bubbles through the tank), however, it seems to be quite weak/slow. If you do suggest one, is this a decent one:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752212&lmdn=Product+Type

Also, is it like filters where I should overbuy? I was thinking about purchasing the 50 gal one on that page.




#2. Here is my stock for the 30gal:
2x yellow lab (1.5in)
2x frontosa (1in)
2x african butterfly (1in)
-----> I know the frontosas may get a bit pushy on the other fish, and when that starts to happen, I will be moving them out. I'll also be moving the labs out around 4 inches, and the frontosas around the same point if they manage to not be aggressive to others for that long.

I have an eheim 2213. Is my filtering enough (I figure it would be, since I bought it rated for a 65gal and I'm only using a 30gal).

Anyways, how often should I be replacing what percentage of the water in this tank?




Thanks everyone!
 
depends on how much you feed them. i have a similar set up, with two labs and a peacock juve in a 30, and i do mini-gravel vac/water changes whenever i see solid poop at the bottom on top of changing 5 gallons every 4-5 days. i believe nitrates may slow growth for juves, so i am pretty vigilant about it.

that powerhead can also be doubled as a filter, so why not go for a strong one? if you think the current might be too strong, find one with adjustable output, since frontosas aren't built for big current, just put in caves and stuff. at my local walmart, they have pretty cheap marineland powerheads, so maybe look there?

you can attach an internal filter or sponge thing to the powerhead for super cheap btw, so idk if you need loads of money to blow on a filter, especially since cichlids are pretty hardy anyways. internal filter/sponge filter at my LFS for 6-11 dollars, depending on what kind you want, though they might take up some space. great bio capacity, though!
 
romanjetfighter;4361012; said:
oh and my labs love playing in the current in my 30!! i just think of it as them exercising on a treadmill so they get muscular and fit :)
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Great to know. I will have to get some pics of my tank for ideas on placement since I'm still new to fish and all.

I don't think I need an extra filter, but I was asking more of if anyone suggests it. I will do 1 bucket every 4 days I think (they carry about 1/8th of the tank, so 3.75 gal.

Also, I wouldn't even know what would be to strong of a current. Could you recommend a certain powerhead, or gph rating I should be aiming for?
 
aclockworkorange;4361095; said:
Aquaclear 50 powerhead. Straight up. Built like a tank.
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What about a Aquaclear 50 filter, would that do the same and add filtering?


Trying to pickup this from another local forum:
Resun powerhead with prefilter - $15 used it for 4 months.
Aquaclear 50 with 2 sponge inserts - $15
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No, an aquaclear 50 filter is a HOB filter that just filters the water. I have an aquaclear 50 on my 20 gallon, they are quite nice btw!

A powerhead is designed to pump and move water throughout the tank.
 
aclockworkorange;4361244; said:
No, an aquaclear 50 filter is a HOB filter that just filters the water. I have an aquaclear 50 on my 20 gallon, they are quite nice btw!

A powerhead is designed to pump and move water throughout the tank.
Click to expand...
Am I right in thinking that there is no such thing as "over filtering" for the price, I figured its worth picking up.

What about the mentioned Resun powerhead with prefilter.

Also, I'm looking and thinking these prices are pretty good, is that right?
 
MattDunbar;4361257; said:
Am I right in thinking that there is no such thing as "over filtering" for the price, I figured its worth picking up.

What about the mentioned Resun powerhead with prefilter.

Also, I'm looking and thinking these prices are pretty good, is that right?
Click to expand...

For a 30 gallon? I'd run an aquaclear 110 if you want super filtration. :headbang2 Could use a AC 70.

I personally like to use one big main filter, and then a smaller support filter, or in case something goes wrong with the main. Everyone has a preference.
On my 20 gallon I'm just running the AC 50, but thinking of switching to a AC 70, or adding another 50.
 
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