Member

Posts: 13
From:columbus, texas, United States
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-08-2004 01:44 PM         

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I have a 55g tank that has been up and running for 8 weeks. I have live plants (cabomba, rotala, and sword) and the tank currently holds 4 dwarf gouramis, 4 platies, 4 red skirt tetras, 3 black skirt tetras, 2 cory cats, and 1 plecos. My current filter came as part of the overall tank setup and is a Topfin Powerfilter 60. I have noticed that I need to change the filter cartridge gauze pads weekly to prevent water overflow back through the intake chamber. The water condition is good and I maintain regular water changes. Is it the filter, the plants or a combination of the two? What filter should I have to maximize power and efficiency? Thanks for all responses!

Scott

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Member

Posts: 104
From:Austin, TX
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-08-2004 02:23 PM         

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I use a Rena Filstar 2 canister filter on my 75 gal and it works fine. It is also quiet. The tank is in my bedroom so quiet is important. I do 20% water changes every two weeks and clean the filter at the beginning of each month. The tank has the following bio-load:

1 6" Oscar
1 3" Jack Dempsey
1 4" Jack Dempsey
1 3" Bala Shark
1 6" Sailfin Plecostomus
1 1" Apple Snail

For now, all is cool. I do forsee another large tank in my future to accomodate growth but for now, the Rena Filstar 2 does a fine job of keeping the water crystal clear in my 75 gal.

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Member

Posts: 501
From:Missouri
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-08-2004 08:07 PM         

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I agree. A canister filter that does about 180 - 250 gallons per hour would be great.

Personally, I like Penn Plax Cascade filters (but they're not a major brand name so you don't hear a lot about them). I currently have a Cascade 1200 (315 gph) on my 75 (2 oscars & 2 plecos) and a Cascade 700 (185 gph) on my 55 (11 Lake Malawi cichlids & 3 plecos). I've never had a problem with either.

-Chelle

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Member

Posts: 13
From:columbus, texas, United States
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-11-2004 01:24 PM         

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Thanks for the advice! I have decided on a RENA FILSTAR XP3. I just need to learn about the many media option available!

Scott

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