is my Canister filter too big?????

[Stickleback]

Hi Guys & Gals...

Just registered tonight, and I have a few questions

I am in the process of setting up an old 15g tank from a few years ago (before the children started arriving) with my 7 year old son.

We are wanting a simple set-up for a small shoal of White Cloud Mountain Minnows, maybe 10 or so.

I have a Fluval 403 from days gone by, which I used in a 4'x2'x2' tank, and I was thinking it might create a good strong current in this 2'x1'x1' tank, which would be along the style of this one .

Do you folks think this filter would be suitable? I can't find on the net anywhere what the volume turnover for this filter is...I know it is far more than is needed, but I think it could look good, like a river.

Would it be far too much for the wee minnows?

Also not wanting to start two related threads (although I am new here & if you think I should, please tell me) the filter media which has been in the filter, unused, for the last 7 1/2 years (the big tank was sold before the arrival of 7 year old), could it be used again? Obviously the carbon bag can't, but the sponge looks clean, as does the pre-filter/bio-max stuff. If this is well washed, can it be used?

Sorry for the terribly long post and thanks in advance

Glenn

 

[Crepe]

Just throttle back the INTAKE and it will be fine. Never slow down the outlet of a canister. It builds up pressure and could weaken the seal leading to a leak. It should be fine, no worries.

Yes everything can be reused except the carbon but you shouldn't be running carbon anyways unless you have a purpose of removing medicine. I have a 1lb bag of carbon that I never use, just sitting there. It's good to have on hand.

 

[maxima423]

looks good

very nice tank, very placid, i love it, very calming to watch

 

[Stickleback]

Thanks Crepe

Just throttle back the INTAKE and it will be fine. Never slow down the outlet of a canister. It builds up pressure and could weaken the seal leading to a leak. It should be fine, no worries.

I did wonder about closing the valves on the filter a little....but this is brilliant advice...I did not think it would matter which valve :/

Yes everything can be reused except the carbon but you shouldn't be running carbon anyways unless you have a purpose of removing medicine. I have a 1lb bag of carbon that I never use, just sitting there. It's good to have on hand.

Good to know, I will maybe fill the empty space in the filter with pot scrubbies (reading about them everywhere now)

Thanks again,
Glenn

 

[Stickleback]

very nice tank, very placid, i love it, very calming to watch

Maxima...This tank looks great, if I can get mine looking half as nice, I will be pleased !

I won't have the fancy glass inlet/outlet set-up for a start

Glenn