New 45gal with Fluval 206

[3unuch_80m83r]

Just bought my girlfriend a 45 gal tank for Christmas, we're both new to a bigger tank and have only used HOB filters before. I know it's rated for 45gal but I've been reading that it is not enough. We have about 30 fish in it and I'm wondering what I should do... buy a bigger filter, add a HOB or leave it. Can anyone provide some insight please? Thank you in advance!

 

[King Fisher]

Add another 206. Probably wouldn't hurt to also add an HOB rated for 45 gallons unless you're against an HOB.

 

[3unuch_80m83r]

What about adding a 306 or 406 and removing the 206? I know I can't do it right away because of the bacteria, but I'd prefer just having 1 filter... If this is the way to go, how would you go about it? We've had it set up for about 2 weeks now and added store bought bacteria last week

 

[King Fisher]

You could swap it out for a 406. I personally like running two filters so I can clean them intermittently. If one of the filters goes out you still got another filter running as well.

Ive used bottled bacteria in the past. I don't think it cycles a tank much quicker if at all faster than traditionally cycling a tank. When I used bottled bacteria it still took me around 5 weeks to cycle my tank. If you can get ahold of some substrate or old filter media from an established/cycled tank you can add it to your tank setup and it will cycle within a couple days.

So IMO, if your going to switch out your canister filter you should do it now and plan on spending some time cycling your tank.

 

[3unuch_80m83r]

Won't that kill the fish though from ammonia build up?

 

[King Fisher]

I'm not sure what you mean?