Filter Too Small?

[scoloujo]

I was given a 28 gallon tank for free with a PF3 interpet internal filter. I have had it all up and running for about 3 months now but the air flow is really slow now and i find I'm cleaning it out once a week which I know is no good for the bacteria, ( I do only use tank water) Is this o.k for this tank or should I look to invest in something else. Near to christmas I would need a cheap option! Thank you for any advice you can give me.

 

[dcarmor927]

if youre constantly cleaning it you should get either a replacement or one to go along with it...you can get a $30 Tetra external filter at wal mart which is rated for a 20-40 gallon tank...i have had this one for a few days as a back up, running with another filter on a 55 gal and it works well so far...good luck!

 

[OldMan47]

Once a week cleaning is not a real problem except for the work involved. As long as you don't destroy your bacterial culture with tap water or excessive scrubbing all will be well. I always seem to go the other way where I get a filter much bigger than I need but I rarely clean it because it is seldom dirty. Either way will work, it just depends how lazy you want to be.