CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I wanted to get a new filter so I could cycle my water more often. I went and picked up one that would cycle the water 10 times/hour. Is this too much? Also, i'm having trouble finding a filter that will fit over the edge of my tank (the tank has a really wide lip), any suggestions? Thanks!

Well what name and model number filter did you buy? What are the dimensions of your tank including water capacity? You should look into water canaster filters such as Fluval or Eheim as they go underneath or next to your tank. Only have an intake and exhaust tube that go up into your tank.

-S42K

The filter I got is an AquaClear 300. Right now I have my fish in a 30 gal long tank. I'm looking for a bigger one (knew I would have to after 7 or 8 months...) but am trying to decide what size to get since i'm in an apartment. The canister filters sound really good. What should I expect to pay for one? Are they both biological/mechanical? What type of media do they filter through? What about protein skimmers: how do they work and what do they do?

Thats a loaded question if I ever saw one hehehe....

I remember talking to you about the appartment situation what ever happened with that?

Once you decide to get a larger tank (hopefully minium 55 gallon) look into a canister filter. They do both bio, chem, and mech. You can get one that I would reccomend Fluval 404 for $89.99 or the Magnum 350 Pro sytem for $89.99 from Big Al's Online You can use any media with these filters as well. Such as Ammo blocks, carbon, peat pellets/grainuals etc.

Protein skimmers are mainly for saltwater tanks to remove the excess waste. Usually this foam that floats on the top caused by the salts, food, and wastes in the water.

-S42K

Maybe I should wait on the new filter then, so I can get one that would be good for a new tank. How many gallons per hour do the Fluval and the Magnum do? What type of maintenance is needed for them?

As far as my apartment situation, i'm bickering with them over some repairs right now, so they're not too happy with me at the moment. I thought i'd let that fizzle for a little bit. Also, I don't have renter's insurance right now (you had mentioned that they might want that). But I was at the store yesterday drooling over a 150 gallon tank... Not that I can afford one of those, but MAN would it be nice! But seriously, the 55's are really cheap. I would like to go 75 or 80 though. I figure eventually my oscars would out-grow the 55 and then i'd be in the same situation i'm in now.

Ok, so i've got more questions... What are the benifits of canister filters (over the one that i've got that sits on the lip of the tank)? How does chemical filtration work?

Well they filter at a rate of 315 gph and are good for aquariums up to 100 gallons I believe. They work the same way your AquaClear does. Basically they have these porous ceramic like tubes that build up bacteria. These never need to be changed out unless you switch to salt water etc. You need to change out your carbon, or your peat as directed per your directions. What ever media you choose follow those directions for cleaning/changing. Also I know with the Magnum 350 Pro canister filter, it takes out microscopic materials in your water like algae.

With canister filtertaion there is no bi-pass or over flow. The water is forced through the media for the best filtration. With your AquaClear or Penguin Bio Wheels water can pass around or over your media filters. With the Penguin you have bio filtration due to the bio wheels. Chemical filtration is simply your carbon, peat or what ever other media you use.
Check out www.bigalsonline.com or www.thatpetplace.com for pictures of these filters.

-S42K

The canister filters sound really nice. That's incredible that they can even filter out algae! I might try to shop around and see if I can find one on sale (they seem kinda pricey).

Do many people build their own filters? Or is it just easier to buy them?

Well to be honest those two places I have mentioned are the cheapest I have found. Example: Petsmart as well as other LFS want $169 for the Fluval 404 filter. Big Al's Online wants $89.99.

As to building your own filter, a lot of people build them but for salt water setups. I would think it would be easier to just buy a fresh water filter setup. I have never tried to build my own filter setup, however I have built my own fresh water tank. Its not all that cheaper to build your own either. In fact it is more unless you know someone in the glass/plexiglass industry. Not to mention the making and using of jigs and special aquarium silicon.

-S42K

You're probably right. I'll definitly buy one. I just remember having seen a canister filter on a close-out table at a specialty store near me. At the time, I looked at it and thought it was more than i'd ever need (that, and I didn't really know what it was). But, if they still had anything like it...

Well goodluck on finding one. I sure could use a good finding like that myself >.=)

-S42K