To Much Filtration?

[rousell]

Sorry guys yet another newbie question...
I think I've done something silly....
The past week I've been looking at external filters for my fluval Roma 90. I'm currently still cycling with a fluval U2 internal filter and decided I don't want the internal filter taking up much needed internal space so Ive just bought a fluval 305 canister filter brand new for £62 off eBay because it looked like a cracking deal. My only worry now is that I'm trying to run before I can walk.
Is this filter too big for my tank? I've read a few posts here and there and the feedback I'm getting is mixed. Some people say it will be ok if I turn it down and some people say its a no no.
Just wondering what everybody's thoughts are? Do I need to be swapping it for a smaller 205/206? I know with either the 205/206 or the 305 I will have to cut the top of the tank to fit the pipes through. I think I'm starting to get fish tank OCD as I can't stop myself eying up fish tanks and parts etc on the Internet.
Cheers guys and hope somebody can help.

 

[fishprotector]

You will be fine. Depending on your stocking you may want to turn it down, but I would not worry. Over filtration is always better then under filtration. Also, you can add filter floss in the top baskets to slow the flow down a little and polish the water.

 

[rousell]

You will be fine. Depending on your stocking you may want to turn it down, but I would not worry. Over filtration is always better then under filtration. Also, you can add filter floss in the top baskets to slow the flow down a little and polish the water.

Thanks for that. Makes me feel better that I don't have to grovel to a LFS to swap it.
Is filter floss the cotton wool type media?
Cheers

 

[fishprotector]

Yeh that's the one matey. I used to have a 405 on my Rio 180. Again this was well over filtered, but it worked out well. Just remember that the flow will not match the manufacturers listings anyway (apart from eheim) as they run them with little media and without load.

 

[rousell]

Yeh that's the one matey. I used to have a 405 on my Rio 180. Again this was well over filtered, hut is worked out well. Just remember that the flow will not match the manufacturers listings anyway (apart from eheim) as they run them with little media and without load.

Does that type of media have to be changed quite often?
Cheers pal

 

[fishprotector]

I rinse mine every two weeks and change it every four. My cichlids are messy though so you be able to stretch this further depending on stocking. It is as cheap as chips on fleabay though.

 

[rousell]

One last question I promise...
Since I'm going to be over filtered, does that mean I can have more fish than the 1 " per gallon rule? Obviously not straight away but later on when my tanks more matured.
Thanks

 

[fishprotector]

As long as all of your fish are suitable for the tank and have adequate territories then technically yes.

 

[josh_g]

can u even turn the flow rate on the 305 down?

 

[rousell]

can u even turn the flow rate on the 305 down?

I just presumed you could. I thought you can adjust the flow in most filters?

 

[fishprotector]

Yes, it has a black lever built into the aqua stop valve. Lift it up to reduce the flow, but they advise you not to close it more than half.