FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Okay, I have had an in-tank filter for my 46g Mbuna tank for about 4 mo. now. The filter is a temp, because I am currently renting an apartment. (When I move I will get a new one) I changed the white fluff/carbon regularly, but when I changed it yesterday I noticed it rather dirty (like I hadent) today. I think that this is due to the addition of 2 new fish (now I have 5 and a Rubberlipped Pleco)

I know these filters are generally for 20g and under, so should I add a second one to take care of the extra gunk in addition to doing extra water changes?

Inky

It sure wouldn't hurt anything and would be a definite help to your water quality. Pleco's are huge waste producers.

May I ask what has renting an apartment got to do with whether or not you buy a new filter?

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I agree Why wait?
Why are you changing and not rinsing it?

Certainly use two or more if you can.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I don't want to risk the water damage unfortunatly. My dad told me to wait on an external filter for now. I have an extra in-tank filter that I will install tonight, and I will look around at local stores to see if I can find anymore (not many places have them) I was just suprized that it got dirty again so quickly. Perhaps if I take it a part and clean it thourally that would help?

Inky

Most filters have very little chance of leaking unless you get a cheap cannister. I don't know how a powerfilter/hob would get water everywhere. The only time is when I try to lift one off the back of the tank and drop it but I've spilled a heck of alot more water by dropping full buckets and forgeting I was refilling a bucket. I would go ahead and put a powerfilter on the tank because they have practically no chance of spilling any water and it will filter alot more than internal filters. There just isn't enough gph or media space for an internal filter to be very effective.

Well, right now my financial situation doesn't allow me to do that. When I first got the tank I was making almost 3x as much money as I do now. My dad advised me to get the internal and so thats what I got for now.


Do you think my internal filters would last longer if I simply combined them with extra water changes and gravel vacing? I usually do this weekly, but if I do that 2 or 3 times do you think that that could work?

Inky

Multiple water changes weekly would definitely help out a lot.

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

good. I'll get a good filter (they run at least $50 here for a good one) once I have some extra money saved. Thanks alot for the advice!

Inky

Well I've never spent $50 on a powerfilter. I absolutely never buy equipment in local fish or pet stores. The prices are insane and usually 3times what it costs online. Even if you pay shipping you can get one for around $30 or less. Unless you want the largest aquaclear but even that might just barely make $50 if you add in shipping. Plus if you have a walmart nearby just grab an aqua-tech. These are the exact same thing as penguin filters but cheaper and without the biowheels. You can add the biowheels later if you want. For really cheap there are also whisper filters but all of mine have broken or randomly stopped moving water at some time or another so not worth it. In all I could put a powerfilter of appropriate size on there for about $20.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+22769

http://bigalsonline.com/catalog/category.xml?pcid1=2885;category_id=1721

I went to wal mart as well as petstores. The cheapest I have seen one for was $35-40 (cant remember) for a tank up to 50g. Thats still alot of money. I will look into one online though.

Inky

go here 1st:
www.ebates.com
If you are comfortable signing up at their website, you can then go thru them to petsmart or petco and get a rebate (petco has an 8% rebate). Caveat: you do have to spend a certain amount before they will mail you a check.

From another cash strapped person.