Filter Question

[r6mason]

I have a Eheim Professional 2 (2028) water filter that is for 158 Gallon tanks. I want to know can you have too much filter for a tank?? I want to use it on about a 55 Gallon tank.

 

[malkore]

so its 277gph. No I don't think that's too much for a 55gal. Its only 5x turnover per hour.

 

[r6mason]

are you serious? the only 5X is kind of throwing me off, I dont know if you are being sarcastic?? or if it really okay to use

 

[TygGer]

5x is not considered a lot of flow. On my fw tanks, I generally shoot for 10x and my s/w tanks atleast 15-20x.

 

[severum mama]

I shoot for 10x/hour with my HOB filters, but I'm sure you would be fine with 5x turnover considering it is an Eheim canister. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[Guest]

My fluval 304 is rated at 260 gph and its good for up to 70 gallons, so you should be more than fine with the ehiem.

 

[bzbee]

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=17051
Eheim publishes more accurate flow-rate numbers than other manufacturers, which accounts for why folks have to go to 10x flow-rate with other gear to make up for it. Basically, the Eheim number is for a cannister fully loaded with media and a reasonably filled tank, whereas other manufacturers base their number on an empty cannister in an empty tank for marketing reasons.

 

[QTOFFER]

I have an Eheim 2026 running on a 58 gal - it produces a nice, not-too-strong current that the fish seem to enjoy. I think the 2028 differs only in that it has an additional media basket. Aside from fancy goldfish and bettas, I can't think of any fish that would get knocked around by the 2028's outflow in a 55 gal. I think it would do a great job.

 

[r6mason]

Thanks much for your replies. I put the filter and tank togather today because I have 2 about 1 1/2" tiger oscars and I had them in a 5 1/2 gallon tank and this is my first fishtank and fish. I did not know why they were looking so sick on the third day so I cleaned the small tank and put them back in it the tank yesterday(yesterday I found out about tank cycle). I put the fish in the big tank today and I want to know if the big tank will have to cycle also and if so will it be more harsh or mild on the fish since it is a bigger tank?? I am new to this so please forgive me it i sound like an idiot. is there any way to make this process less deadly?

 

[Guest]

Get some SeaChem Stability for the big tank and use it. Also, stay on top of your Amonia levels with frequent water changes. Get a python if you don't already have one and put it to good use!

 

[r6mason]

what is a python??

and how much water change all or partial?

and can I use the SeaChem Stability with the fish in the water or will I have to move them to a holding tank?

 

[Blucat]

Bio Spira helps the cycling process

 

[TygGer]

How long was your 5 1/2 gallon tank setup? Did you transfer gravel, decorations and filter from the 5 1/2g to the new tank? If so, that will greatly reduce your cycle.

Get a basic test kit for ammonia, nitrites and nitratea. Since you have fish in there, anything you measuer .25 or higher ammonia, do a 15-20% water change.

Read the cycling articles and that will give you more details.

 

[catwumman]

My 2028 Pro works wonders on my 75 gallon tank in case you're still wondering. It's a great filter.

 

[Guest]

1) Python is a quick device for water changes, look it up on PetSmart.com.

2) I would change 30% of the water twice a week for a couple months, then drop to once per week. More if your test kit shows Ammonia.

3) You can add SeaChem Stability with fish in the tank, I did and didn't lose a single fish in my new tank cycle.

Hope it helps!