Two Filters For One Tank?

phaze5ive

AC Members
Apr 18, 2009
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Hey guys,

I currently have a 29 gallon tank and running a Marineland Penguin 150 (rated for 30 gallons). I've noticed that there's still waste floating around sometimes. Would getting a second filter make the water noticeably cleaner and healthier? Also, since I have neon tetras and zebra danios in my tank, is it wise to get a filter that is rated for 50 or 60 gallons?

Thanks in advance.
-Phaze
 
Id recommend trying a sponge filter, they do a good job sucking up free- floating debris while not increasing current.
 
I run 2 filters on both of my larger tanks ( 20 and 55 gal) and would highly recommend it. I have a fairly high bioload of fish and inverts in those tanks and having good filtration is a must! I still have to do water changes but the extra filtration keeps the water clear in between and more importantly keeps my creatures healthy and comfortable.

Good Luck to you!
 
any tank i have 30'' or more has at least two HOBs and a sponge filter.The sponge is powered by an air pump with a battery backup in case of power loss.My bigger tanks
have 2 canisters and a sponge-anne
 
Yeah, I'd run 2 filters. Generally, I try to get filters rated for tanks that are larger than the one I'm putting it on. For example, I would get a filter rated for at least a 40g tank to put on a 29g tank. I try to run 2 filters on my tanks, not just for better water clarity, but also for backup. If one fails, then I at least have some filtration still going.

I think that the neons and danios would to fine with a little more water flow. IME, neons liked having some current to swim against, and from what I read, danios also like fast moving water. I'd set up an area with plants and/or other decor to create a spot that they can get away from the current if they want to.
 
To get the fine particles out of your water, use filter floss as the final stage. Remove the floss when it gets clogged and put in more whenever you want to polish the water.

I agree that having more than one filter per tank gives you great peace of mind though. You can clean them in relay, every other time so you dont disturb your bio as much, plus you have a backup if one fails or need to bring up a new tank quickly.
 
i've always run two filters on any tank i've had set up, including 10 gallon tanks (run two small sponge filters). peace of mind in case one konks out and peace of mind knowing you won't cause a mini cycle when you clean filters (which should always be done in tank water, not tap!). another personal rule i follow is running at least double the amount of filtration of the tank size (example: my 55 cichlid tank has at least 135 gallons of filtration on it).
 
I run 2 on my 29 as well. A Penquin 150 and an AquaTech 20-40 (133gph). My bio-load on this tank is far beyond what I would ever recommend and change the water 3X a week on top of dual filters. I tried larger filters but the water movement was too great for the fish.
 
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