Whopper88 Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 I have a tank that has a lot of plants as well as fish. Recently, my air pump died and I only have a Whisper 40 Power filter running. I am wondering if this is sufficient for my tank or should I get a new air pump? I have about 30-40 plants and about 20-30 guppies and neons. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 I just want to make sure I understand what you're asking. You have a Whisper 40 Power filter running on your 50 gallon tank. The air pump that died was just providing bubbles? The Whisper 40 is rated for 40 gallons, maximum...which is likely insufficient to turn over the volume of water you have. I'd look at either replacing the whisper (but keeping the media, or running both for awhile) with something stronger, or adding a secondary filter, such as an air driven sponge filter. My 55G has an Eheim 2215 cannister and a sponger filter for filtration. The airpump as a bubbler doesn't do much for the tank, realistically, the fall from the powerfilter provides sufficient surface disruption to oxygenate the plants/fishies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whopper88 Posted August 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Sorry, Just checked and it is a 45G tank. The Air pump was providing bubbles, but I was wondering if the Whisper is good enough to provide sufficient to oxygenate the tank, which is what you have already answered for me. You comment about turning over water, what does that do for the tank? Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Happy to help. In general, you want a filter that can "turn over" your tank 3-5 times per hour. Means more contact time for the filter to do its job. So for a 45 gallon, you'd want filtration that moves 135-225 GPH (gallons per hour). A whisper 40, with no media, at ideal running conditions has a GPH of about 210, which means that with filter pads etc...it's likely running much less. This filter is the bare minimum that you can run on your tank. 20-30 fish in a 45 Gallon would likely have a decent bioload, so you'd want to accomodate for that with over filtration. Just my 2 cents. Although, frequent water changes negate everything I've said above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremoose Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 (edited) Happy to help. In general, you want a filter that can "turn over" your tank 3-5 times per hour. Means more contact time for the filter to do its job. So for a 45 gallon, you'd want filtration that moves 135-225 GPH (gallons per hour). A whisper 40, with no media, at ideal running conditions has a GPH of about 210, which means that with filter pads etc...it's likely running much less. This filter is the bare minimum that you can run on your tank. 20-30 fish in a 45 Gallon would likely have a decent bioload, so you'd want to accomodate for that with over filtration. Just my 2 cents. Although, frequent water changes negate everything I've said above And bear in mind that this is on the low end of the spectrum! I have at least 8-10 times turn over per hour in all my tanks. Petsmart has Aquaclear 110's on sale for 71.99 right now, add one of those to what you've got right now and you'll be laughin'! Edited August 27, 2013 by jeremoose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whopper88 Posted August 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Perfect! Thank you for the information. I will look into the Petsmart deal. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 (edited) Depending on what your budget is, and what your plans are...I personally prefer canister filters. I have a couple fluvals and a couple eheims. They make less noise, and are less visibly obtrusive (assuming you can put them under your stand). I order 90% of my hardware from www.petsandponds.com $14.99 flat rate shipping to your door, free on orders over $200.00. I get my Prime, NLS, media, pumps, sponges...etc from these guys. I'd keep your filter, and add a canister - personal opinion. http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5809/c7359/p16366949.html Edited August 27, 2013 by flash_oesc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremoose Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Depending on what your budget is, and what your plans are...I personally prefer canister filters. I have a couple fluvals and a couple eheims. They make less noise, and are less visibly obtrusive (assuming you can put them under your stand). I order 90% of my hardware from www.petsandponds.com $14.99 flat rate shipping to your door, free on orders over $200.00. I get my Prime, NLS, media, pumps, sponges...etc from these guys. I'd keep your filter, and add a canister - personal opinion. http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5809/c7359/p16366949.html I also run canisters, hobs are just a much cheaper option is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whopper88 Posted August 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Thank you guys so much for your input. I will look into both options of a Canister or add another filter. So far, i'm leaning towards getting another filter as my budget is not there right now, but the link you provided gives me a great option for the eheim at a low cost. Thank you all again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 another option is to check the classifieds on here. http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showtopic=40695 This person has a Fluval 205 for sale for $50.00. If that works it's an option, or PM an offer if you'd like, never know if you don't try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremoose Posted August 28, 2013 Report Share Posted August 28, 2013 Depending on what your budget is, and what your plans are...I personally prefer canister filters. I have a couple fluvals and a couple eheims. They make less noise, and are less visibly obtrusive (assuming you can put them under your stand). I order 90% of my hardware from www.petsandponds.com $14.99 flat rate shipping to your door, free on orders over $200.00. I get my Prime, NLS, media, pumps, sponges...etc from these guys. I'd keep your filter, and add a canister - personal opinion. http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5809/c7359/p16366949.html I also run canisters, hobs are just a much cheaper option is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whopper88 Posted August 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2013 Thanks for the advise everyone. I ended up going to Petsmart and purchased a filter that is good for a 90G tank and can recirculate water at 400G per hour. It was on sale for $49 and it makes a huge difference. Thanks again everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted August 28, 2013 Report Share Posted August 28, 2013 What filter did you end up getting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whopper88 Posted August 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2013 Aqueon Quietflow 55/75 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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