What size filter would i need?

[Jesseka]

Hi there, i was wondering if anyone could tell me what size filter(L/Hr) i should get to keep my new fish tank as crystal clear as possible the measurements to it are 3ft long by 1.5ft wide by 1.4 ft high. It already has a filter, but is rather old and covered in algae. Also how do i get rid of algae on the ornaments if thats possible? The fish tank is only going to have goldfish in it. How many would i fit in it? Thankyou for any help

 

[authorize]

Hello Jesseka. Do you know how many gallons your tank holds?

 

[Jesseka]

ummm i think its about 120L which is approx 30gallons, but i am not positive. i have only just recieved it off a friend so have not added water yet, still in the process of cleaning it out etc. but it is between 26-30 gallons.

 

[authorize]

I know there are filters that say it can filter "up to" a certain amount. For example, I have a filter in my room that reads "up to 20 gallons". I can't use it because my tank is more than 20 gallons. In your case, I would suggest looking for a filter that reads "up to 30 gallons" on the box. Good luck.

 

[Jesseka]

thankyou that will help me in my search. although here in aus its litres so ill have to do it "for up to 120l tanks"

 

[bs6749]

Assuming that you measured the outside of the tank, and assuming that the measurements were 36" x 18" X ~17" you have a tank that is roughly 47 gallons by the outside dimensions. I'd guess it's a 45g tank. I'd look for a filter that is rated for at least 55g, possibly two filters that are rated at 30g each and put one on each end of the tank.

 

[new2betas]

Assuming that you measured the outside of the tank, and assuming that the measurements were 36" x 18" X ~17" you have a tank that is roughly 47 gallons by the outside dimensions. I'd guess it's a 45g tank. I'd look for a filter that is rated for at least 55g, possibly two filters that are rated at 30g each and put one on each end of the tank.

I definitely agree...especially with goldfish, I would go with at least double filtration.

 

[missileman]

For goldfish I would aim for 8-10 times volume/hour

 

[Pacei]

Your tank is called 45g breeder tank. For a reasonably stocked tank, you should take manufacturer's recommendation then assume they are only capable of handling 50% of the quoted number. All of them over-estimates their ability to filter water. If you are up to it, I normally like to have two filters per tank. A combination of canister and HOB is nice.

Choosing it based purely on the flow rate doesn't always work. Eheim as an example, relies on a slower flow rate while Rena Filstar relies on a faster flow rate. Both methods work.

 

[jsoong]

For that tank, & esp. doing goldfish, I would go with a canister filter. I would aim for 10-15x water turnover per hour, so around 500gph or 2000 l/hr. (Something like a Rena Filstar XP3.)

Yes, this is much higher than the "up to x gal" marking on the box. But the manufacturer usu. over-estimate their filter's ability. <Tests are done with filters empty, but in real life, the filter clogs with use, etc.> Also, for goldfish, doubling the filtration recommended for tropicals is wise.