Tank Filter Size - To Upgrade, Or Not To Upgrade!

[mylifeasben]

Hey guys!

I have recently acquired a 3 foot tanks (specs: 92 cm x 47 cm x 36 cm) which calculates back to 155 litres or 40 gallons.

I've been looking into the filter in there, and discovered it's rated for a max of 100 litre (27 gallon) tank. (Aqua Pro 103F).

I can get a 180 litre an hour (48 gallons) filter for $65 AUD (it's literally just the model up) but it's rated at twice the wattage so it's going to increase the tanks power consumption.

My question is, how seriously do I need to upgrade this filter? Can I keep it in there, or should I get a upgraded one as a priority?

Cheers!

Ben

[elephantnose]

If you live in the US you should order off of DR.foster and smith. It's a lot cheaper than anywhere else.

[mylifeasben]

I'm in Aus

[elephantnose]

Oh, any where online will probably be better than in a store. Not sure if in aus if you have eBay, or craigslist? I would upgrade the filters. I have two filter running on my 55g ones a canister that's rated for 75g and another just a random 50g rated filter I had sitting around.

[mylifeasben]

I was thinking I might need to upgrade.
There goes the power bill..

We have eBay but it's only about $10 cheaper.

[mylifeasben]

Is there any other kinds of filter that would work for the tank that size, do a good job, and not cost too much?

[elephantnose]

Canisters are great but expensive. HOBs (hang on back) filter are a lot cheaper. A lot of people like aqua clear an AC70 would be good for that tank. Marineland penguin filter is also a good filter. The media for this filter is cheap. Tetra whisper is also a good cheap filter. I've been looking at an aqueon 55/75. This filter is about $30 usd.

[mylifeasben]

Is there any benefits to hang on filters compared to internals?

[elephantnose]

The HOB, usually gives a lot of flow per dollar spent and the ease of filter cleaning/replacement, with the amount of available bio media being it`s shortcoming.
The canister costs more per gph, does an adequate job of debris removal, but holds allot of bio media.

[mylifeasben]

I'll probably just end up buying the 104F and selling the 103F on Gumtree

[elephantnose]

Okay. I've never had a 104f I'm not sure If they are even sold in the US.

[mylifeasben]

Would you think that upgrading needs to be a priority? I have a dozen Albino Corydoras in the tank at the moment (they came with it), but I'm looking at getting a few more fish soon. So, do I get the new filter now, or will it be okay for a few more months (years)?

[elephantnose]

It will be fine for a while but your tank will not be looking it's best. You will need to do more WCs more often and probably at a greater volume.

[mylifeasben]

Awesome! Thanks for your help!