It’s recommended that you get a filter with a GPH that is at least four times your
tank volume
. For example, for a 55 gallon tank, you want a GPH of at least 220.
How many GPH does a 50-gallon tank need?
For reef aquariums, the
general rule
among hobbyists is to choose a pump that can provide a turnover/flow rate of 5x to 10x the tank volume per hour. For example, a return pump for a 50-gallon tank would equal a flow rate of 250-500 GPH.
Is it better to have 2 filters in a fish tank?
Don’t Multiple Filters “Compete” on the Fish Tank? It is true that if you use more than one filter on your fish tank, neither of those filters will perform as efficiently as it would if it were the only filter on the aquarium This is expected, but is not a problem.
How often should you clean a 50-gallon fish tank?
If you have a large, well established tank you should clean your tank on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. A water change should be done to the keep the tank clean and the
fish happy
. Depending on the type of filter you use for the tank, you may be able to get away with cleaning the tank once per month.
Can you have too much filtration in a fish tank?
An aquarium can be over-filtered because large filters have large pumps that can move the water too quickly. When the water is cycled at an excessive rate, spread sediment all over the tank, push the fish around, and more. The water should pass through the filter four times an hour.
What size pump do I need for a 55 gallon fish tank?
A 55 gallon aquarium needs a pump with a flow rate of at least 275 GPH A pump with a flow rate of 220 GPH should be used for a 55 gallon aquarium.
How powerful should my fish tank filter be?
We generally recommend that on average, you turn over your aquarium volume four times per hour This means that if you have a 30 gallon tank, you need a pump and filter with flow rates of around 120 gph.
What size filter should I get for my tank?
A good rule of thumb is to select a filter with a flow rate at least six times the volume of the tank —so for a 30-gallon tank you want a flow rate of about 200 gph (gallons per hour). Canister Filters: Canister filters also have an integral water pump.
How many fish can go in a 55-gallon?
Bottom Line The one-inch-per-gallon rule still applies, so be sure that you do not exceed 55 inches of fish in a 55-gallon tank. This roughly equates to four or five bottom-dwelling fish along with a couple algae eaters.
Why use a
spray bar
in an aquarium?
If your aquarium has good surface agitation and movement already, then a spray bar doesn’t have much to offer. But if you have dead spots in your tank or are looking for some gentle water movement, a spray bar is just the tool you need. You can also use a spray bar to decrease surface agitation.
How do I know if my fish tank filter is too strong?
- Your fish struggle to swim or swim differently from usual.
- Your fish tend to remain hidden throughout the day rather than swimming around the tank.
- Your fish find it challenging to find balance.
- The current interferes with your fish’s feeding patterns.
Should you turn off filter when feeding fish?
If your filter is pushing water downwards then it can be a good idea to switch the filter off during feeding to prevent this , just be sure to switch it on again afterwards! Many fish foods have a mixture of densities in the one pack, so some will float, some sink rapidly and some slowly.
How often should you change gravel in fish tank?
If you have a healthy and well-balanced fish tank, you may be able to go for several months without cleaning the gravel. However, even with a highly efficient tank, it is a good idea to clean gravel at least once every two to three months.
How often should I vacuum my gravel?
As with all the best maintenance routines, regular vacuuming, either once a week or once every other week , is best for your aquarium. Be sure to remove all your decor prior to vacuuming. You’ll be amazed how much waste settles under those pretty plants and castles.
How do I get rid of fish poop in my tank?
A gravel vacuum is going to be the best and easiest way to do a little quick-cleanup on a regular basis. The gravel vacuum works by creating a ‘siphon effect’ that provides a small amount of suction for clearing up wasted food, fish poop, and more.
How many heaters do I need for a 55 gallon tank?
A good rule of thumb for aquarium heaters is 5 watts per gallon for aquariums 55 gallons or smaller, and 3 watts per gallon for those over 60 gallons. Use a larger size or a second heater if your aquarium is in an especially cold room or is located on an exterior wall or near an outside door.
How do I choose an aquarium filter?
When it comes to freshwater aquarium filters you should consider a filter that has three stages of filtration: mechanical, chemical, and bacterial Good quality filters offer all the stages of filtration that is needed for good water quality and healthy, happy fish.
What
size powerhead
do I need for a 55 gallon aquarium?
For an SPS-dominated reef tank, the hourly water turnover should go up to 40 times. A quick example would be that if yours were a 55-gallon reef aquarium it would require powerheads with a total pumping capacity of between 1100 and 2200 GPH.
What pump do I need for my fish tank?
Therefore if your aquarium is 20 gallons, you should choose a powerhead that will pump 20 gallons times 5 (20×5) or at least 100-120 GPH Choosing a powerhead that moves as much as 10 times the actual water volume of your aquarium is certainly acceptable. Aeration is important to both fresh and marine tanks.
What are sponge filters good for?
Sponge filters are a simple and cost effective means of filtering aquarium water They provide mechanical filtration, and can lead to a better population of beneficial bacteria in your aquarium and therefore a more balanced aquatic ecosystem.
References
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/md-2020-11-how-to-size-a-return-pump
The Best Filter For 50 Gallon Aquariums: Plus 55 Gallons Too!