Running 2 power filters on my 55g...

smit3183

Is their any benefit in doing this? I have between 30-35 small fish ranging from few mollies and platys ,cherry barbs ,tetras and cories. This is a moderately planted tanked with Val's , couple of amazon swords a crypt and just bought some floating pennywort and watersprite.

I have both filters running on slowest flow and I'm starting to wonder if their is too much water movement for the floating plants as I've had these plants before and they failed miserably,but maybe also had to do with too much light as I was running 2t8 6500 bulbs at the time and have dropped to one ,had a bba problem and plants browning.

I would like to take one of the filters off but I'm scared it could start a mini cycle. The tank has been running for a little over a year. GH is 11 and ph runs 8.2-8.4. Should I remove one of the filters?

fish monger

What kind of filters are they ? Remember, the majority of your beneficial bacteria is going to be in your substrate and other surfaces in the tank. Plants can suffer from too much surface agitation as that causes a rapid depletion of CO2.

smit3183

They are h.o.b. fluval c4 filters set at low flow rate.

smit3183

Should I just run 1 set at low flow?

fish monger

What are the filters' ratings insofar as tank size is concerned ? I'd want right at or slightly above what is needed for the tank.

smit3183

Rated for 40-70 gallons..264gph
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fish monger

You could take one off. I have a HOB rated at 75 gallons on my 55 and it seems to be a little much. You don't have any really heavy waste fish. I'd go ahead and remove one of the filters and keep an eye on things for a little while.

Byron

Agree. Filtration is not always understood well. On a planted tank that is not overstocked you could dispense with all filters and the fish would be fine. With plants, the filter is only there to circulate the water sufficiently (but not overly, unless the fish need current for the species) and pass it through fine media to remove particulate matter, i.e. keeping the water clear. The plants and various bacteria will keep it clean.

Byron.

smit3183

Should I set flow rate to slow or max?
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Byron

I'm not familiar with that particular filter so can't suggest on the flow. You want the flow to extend down the tank (and thisis a 4-foot 55g) so it needs to be sufficient to achieve this, but at the same time you don't want a torrent with plants swaying.