do I really need another filter?

fishy_chick · Member Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 86

I have a 67 gallon tank that I'm setting up as a reef aquarium. I used the tank for a year to house my Pacus and I used a Fluval 204 filter. I went to this store called Aquarium Illusions to get some supplies and the guy there told me that I need to either buy a Fluval 404, or get another 204. If this is necessary, I'll get another 204, but do I really need another one?

t_h_e_s_a_c_k · Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 8:15 pm Post subject:

You do need more filtration than a single 204. The fluval 204 filters 40 us gallons maximum. If I were in your position I would get another 204 and have some extra filtration, even though you don't quite need that much. Another option would be getting a biowheel filter or something, like a emperor 280 or 400.

t_chelle16 · Moderator Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 3436

The general rule for filtration is you need a turnover rate of 10x the volume of the tank with HOB filters or 3x - 5x with canisters or wet/dry filters.

So if you stick with canister filters like Fluval, you would need a total gph rating of 200 - 335 (more is better). Your curent Fluval 204 does 185 gph which is a bit low. Getting another one would put you at 370 which would be terific (it's a lot better to over filter than under filter).

-Chelle

fishy_chick · Member Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 86

I'll go out and get another 204 then. Thanks so much for your help!

fishy_chick · Member Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 86

I just thought of something. If 2 of the 204s are more than enough for my tank, couldn't I just keep my 204 and buy a 104?

t_chelle16 · Moderator Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 3436

Oops. I wasn't aware Fluval had anything smaller than 204.

A 204 & a 104 would give you 310 gph which is a 4.6x turnover, so yes, that would be fine.

-Chelle

fishy_chick · Member Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 86

Well you just saved me about 60 dollars, thanks so much!