I have a 30 gallon planted tank. As my paycheck increases(not by much mind you) so does the equipment in my tank. I feel it is time to upgrade my filter system. I currently have a UG filter(that I would really like to ditch), and a hang-on filter. I have not been too happy with the results and I want to buy a canister filter. My question is, is there some sort of equipment exchange process I need to do to make sure that I don't have a water cycling issue? Should I run all three at the same time? Also the canister filter says that it is good for 130 gallon tank. Is that overkill?

I also want to thank everyone in advance. This website has been a true friend and an amazing resource for my love of this hobby. Don't know were I would be without this site. Actually I would probably be listening to my LFS and end up frustrated and broke.
Thanks
Adracco

Hiya Adracco,

It's not possible to overfilter, but it is possible to have too much flow That's why most external filters come with a flow adjustment setting so your fish don't get blown around the tank

Ideally running the filters together for about 6 weeks would be best although you could just transfer all the used filter media into your new filter. As long as you keep a close eye on water parameters then you shouldn't experience any problems

Take care,
Jo

This post has been edited by PrettyLittleLamb: Jun 28 2008, 07:39 AM

i would buy an eheim canister filter!

Thanks for the replies. I checked out the one I wanted to buy, and turns out it didn't have a flow regulator. I don't think I would have been happy with that in my tank. Thank you for keeping me from making a bad decision. And after researching about the eheim filter, the classic is going to be my first choice of filtration. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. FishFurom rules.

Adracco

You can always try to slow the flow by "baffling" the filter outlet to kind of "diffuse" the output. Just get creative.

-Ryan