Water movemetn...

[adiliegro]

I ahve been reading a lot lately about water movement and how imperitive it is for the tanks. I was looking at Big Al's site and came across this - http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=27183;category_id=2281;pcid1=;pcid2=

Im wondering if that is all Ill need to use for my 20 gallon cichlid tank? Is that all Ill need, or do I need to buy a pump or how does this thing work? Any help appreciated!

 

[cheezysquirrelz]

A powerhead sits on one of the tubes of your undergravel filter. You dont need an air pump.

 

[TankGirl]

Whether or not you have a UGF, a good, strong filter in a 20-gal should be all you need. Sometimes in larger tanks, 55 and over, you will find "dead" spots with poor water circulation and powerheads are great for that.

 

[adiliegro]

Hmmm...My filter is the one that came with the kit (top fin 20) and Im not sure its that strong. I want to get another one and now am wondering if I should get this one. Is this big enough for my 20 gal or is it too big and I need to go smaller? - http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22137;category_id=2885;pcid1=;pcid2=

I just want to do whats right for my new friends...Also, could I run BOTH filters at the same time? Is this OK or is this one of those "less is more" deals?

 

[cheezysquirrelz]

WOW!!!! I dont think you need one THAT powerful. I have a penguin 170 on my 20gal tank that works GREAT.

 

[TankGirl]

That just might be overkill for a 20gal (did I just say that? 8O ) but a smaller HOB combined with what you have already would work.

 

[adiliegro]

HA! I am SO glad I found this place. So maybe the Penguin 170 with what I have? There is so much to learn about all of this.

 

[adiliegro]

And TankGirl...I just donated you 50 Kudos for all that you do! Thank you!

 

[chasgood]

10 times the tank size in gallons is the normal max water flow in gallons per hour for filtering. 10x20=200 gph. 4 times is the minimum or 80 gph for your tank but it is best to stay in the upper end, say 8 to 10.
The Penguin 170 or AquaClear 200 will work great.

Good luck

 

[TankGirl]

I just donated you 50 Kudos for all that you do!

Glad I could be of help