What Size Filter? 30 Gallon Tank

[OrbWeaver]

I am getting my sons a 30 gallon tank for their birthday. I was thinking of putting a Whisper 60 filter on it. Would that be OK or would that be too much for that size tank? Would I be better off with 2 smaller filters?

Thank you much for your help.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I'd actually go for a Whisper 40, or better yet, invest in a canister filter. I got an Odyssea canister for a really low price and as soon as I can afford it I'm getting another one. I'm very happy with it.

 

[Bignose]

generally you want to aim for 7-10 times the tank volume turnover per hour -- dependent on the species of fish. That is, if you are going to purchase fish from calmer waters, they will probably prefer an output of somewhere in the 4-6 times the tank volume per hour. If you are getting fish from rapid, fast moving water, they may prefer 10-12 tank volumes per hour. But 7 to 10 tank volumes per hour is a nice middle and covers most needs well.

So, 30 gallon tank, you are looking for a filter that throughputs 210 to 300 gallons per hour.