Filter Confusion

[jonnyf84]

Hi, this is gonna sound really dumb but are you supposed to use a internal sponge filter as well as a seperate external filter at the same time???

What is the best type of filter to use for a 50 gallon tank?

Thanks,
Jonny

 

[darknirvana217]

You don't have to use a sponge filter along with and external filter. Its up to you, the sponge would just help with oxygenation and biological filtration. I prefer to use canister filters, preferably Eheim. I had an Eheim 2217 running on my 55. You can also a hang on the back or high powered internal filter, I think Fluval makes the most powerful internal filter.

 

[raptorrex]

Hi, this is gonna sound really dumb but are you supposed to use a internal sponge filter as well as a seperate external filter at the same time???

What is the best type of filter to use for a 50 gallon tank?

Thanks,
Jonny

i would suggest an external, you can pick good quality ones up from teratek, for your tank for around £50. some people use both an external and a small internal. i have never found a reason for the second filter though.

 

[darknirvana217]

I used to use a sponge filter in my discus tank but that was about it. YOu only really need to use those for fry breeding tanks.

 

[jonnyf84]

Hi, this is gonna sound really dumb but are you supposed to use a internal sponge filter as well as a seperate external filter at the same time???

What is the best type of filter to use for a 50 gallon tank?

Thanks,
Jonny

i would suggest an external, you can pick good quality ones up from teratek, for your tank for around £50. some people use both an external and a small internal. i have never found a reason for the second filter though.

Thanks, so it doesn't matter if i use a internal or external filter to cycle my tank? I was told that a internal filter with a sponge was the best for cycling as the sponge is in the water with the nitates on it, is this wrong?

 

[raptorrex]

Hi, this is gonna sound really dumb but are you supposed to use a internal sponge filter as well as a seperate external filter at the same time???

What is the best type of filter to use for a 50 gallon tank?

Thanks,
Jonny

i would suggest an external, you can pick good quality ones up from teratek, for your tank for around £50. some people use both an external and a small internal. i have never found a reason for the second filter though.

Thanks, so it doesn't matter if i use a internal or external filter to cycle my tank? I was told that a internal filter with a sponge was the best for cycling as the sponge is in the water with the nitates on it, is this wrong?

i would say that is wrong, though there may be some scientific evedence i don't know of. though the external, is not in the tank, it is full of tank water, so full of the nitrates we want to remove. if you do cycle with an internal, but wish to us an external. you will have to cycle and or seed the cannister, remember its the filter that cycles, not the water, so i cant see the point. from a personal point of view, i think it is important to cycle the filter you are going to use. doing it any other way complicates it, and extends the time it will take.