Types Of Filtration Systems For Different Tank Sizes

[trout_pout]

I am in a computer programming class now and I need advice on what types of filtration are needed for certain sized tanks.

As you may know last year Iposted that I am making a program for my computing A level coursework and I am currently still in the implementation stages. I am now at a part where the user will click a command button and enter in the gallons of a tank and the program will advice the best possible filtration system and the manufacture.

It will be a calculation, say if tank is less than 20 gallons then I will put in "undergravel filter" and the manufacture of it.

If it is more than 20 gallons but less than 50 gallons then I will put in eg.

"internal filter" - "Jewel"


Anyone understand?

Can anyone help by telling me what types of filter are best for certain tank sizes. Also including the manufacture.

I will be very grateful if you could reply.
Thanks.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi trout_pout

This is an interesting project you are working on. Before everyone gets into their favorite brands of fancy filters, I'll mention the basic air pump driven, box and sponge filters.

This is a good two outlet air pump:

http/www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=397222

It can run either sponge filters (for fry or other small fish)

http/www.aquariumguys.com/spongefilter1.html

Or internal box filters such as this one:

http/www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=249866

The filter media used in box filters is filter floss;

http/www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=331673

This kind of system provides excellent biological, mechanical and (if carbon is added) chemical filtration for small tanks. I use them in my 10, 20 and 30 gallon tanks, with usually one box filter per 10 gallons of water.

 

[andywg]

The type of filter depends on the type of tank.

On larger tanks a sump and wet/dry is recommended, though if you want planted you are better off wth larger cannisters.

As for how large a tank to how large a filter, it is all down to personal choice. I used to run an external cannister on a 7 gallon, others will use internal or UGF on 100 gallons.

If you want the generally best you will be looking at eheim, with the possibiltiy of looking towards Tunze for rare and very good filtration (though their true expertise lies in marine).

 

[trout_pout]

Many thanks guys!

 

[trout_pout]

Those filter systems have been added.

Can anyone please give me the name of some filtration systems for tanks more than 100 gallons??

 

[andywg]

More than 100 gallons will see large cannister filters (or multiples thereof).

Once you get very large (200 gallons or more) then you are looking at external sump filtration. this wil often include a trickle tower for wet/dry filtration or a fluidised sand bed.

Some people have copied marine systems and been able to utilise Algae Turf Scrubbers (growing turf algae to remove all ammonia) and thus remove water changes on extremely large tanks. I saw an ATS on another forum that was running a 1,600 gallon cichlid tank. The owner hadn't had to do a water change for a few months.

 

[cleekdaFish]

the emperor 280(1,060 liters per hr) or the 400(1,500 litres per hr) are great!

Not only does it have great chemical and mechanical filtration, but it has a semi-wet/dry biological source called the "Bio-Wheel."