DIY canister power head

[mattoid]

Hi all, I've started a DIY external canister filter but not sure of the required litre per hour requirements per litre/gallon.

Does anyone know of a formula or table?

I have a 4 foot x 18 x 18 - 65 US gal (250 ltr, 55 UK gal).

I'm currently using a canister rated for up to 300 ltr (80 US, 65 UK) and 660-780 ltr per hour (175-200US, 145-165UK) but would like heavier duty to cope with full stocking capacity and based on aqadvisor advise.

Thanks...


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[ptray]

Without knowing the details on or tank (plants, stock, freshwater/saltwater etc) it is tough to give you an exact answer. But generally in freshwater you want 4-10x turnover of water and 10x in salt(not a salt guy so that may not be the most accurate). So 65x4= 265 and 6x10=650 so if you have plants and a small stock your smaller pump would work. But if you want to be prepared I would suggest something in the 600-800 range. And remember that you lose gph with bends/angles and with height and from trying to push it through the filter media so a little bigger wouldn't hurt.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[MICEY]

I use a pond pump rated 250us gal /hr but wish it was faster , for my 45 gal tank

 

[mattoid]

thanks ptray & MICEY. I have a relatively well planted tank with a lot of establishing plants and have also just had a hatch of bristlenose fry so I'm expecting lots if waste soon and just surface vacuuming without too much gravel disturbance.
I'm thinking 1200ltr plus (315US 260UK). it will be a second filter so a total of 1800-2000l per hr would satisfy the 10x option. I have a full tank with more fry on the way!!! until I can move them on.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice