Cannister Filter Recommendation

[FishLover61]

Hi, I'm new here and promise to go over to the appropriate place and do a formal introduction.  I have a quick question about filtration.  I have a 46 gal bow front that I've set up for tropical community fish.  I have a Marineland 220 canister filter which is suitable up to 50 gal.  I'm fearful that this won't be enough and wondered if anyone would have a recommendation on this.  I was thinking of running a second 220 as I can get one today for a great price but didn't know if this would be too much or not. - Thanks!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That filter should be just fine... 
 
 
Now, with that said, I'm actually a proponent of running two filters on larger tanks (as well as multiple heaters, if possible) because it gives you more time to react to a problem.  I have two filters on both of my tanks (56G and 110G).  They are identical filters, which allows me to only have to worry about one type of media.  I actually had an instance where one of my filters broke and I had to replace it.  But, I had no real issue with the fish, because the other filter was still working.  I just did a 50% water change and went to get a filter the next day.  
 
 
So, two filters can be very good, because it gives you a backup to your system, but wouldn't be necessary for your tank.  
 
 
 
The second part of your question is in regard to being "too much".  There is no such thing as too much filtration.  Planted tanks generally need 10X turnover in the tank to ensure that the plants have access to sufficient nutrients.  The bigger concern would be too much FLOW for the fish.  I wouldn't want a high rate of flow for a betta, but some fish really require higher flow rates.  The fish you are intending will really determine whether you need the second filter or not.  Faster swimmers would prefer higher flow, whereas slower swimmers would prefer to not have the extra flow.
 
 
 
Oh, and  

 !

 

[Gvilleguy]

I agree with Eagle. That filter should be fine. But I, too, run dual filters on my 26 gallon. I run the HOB type filter that came with it, as well as a Fluval 206 external. My Fluval 205 died after two years and I did not have to sweat it because the HOB kept things running for me while I waited for a new Fluval to arrive from Amazon. So if money is not an issue, it can certainly be helpful to have extra equipment running. (as long as water flow is not an issue for the fish type)

It also gives you a little more flexibility for taking mature media out of one filter for your next tank!