What to do with $100 Dollars

[SilverDollar_03]

Hey, I currently have a 55 Gallon community tropical tank. I just finished cycling it and have 4 silver dollars (2") in it now. The levels in the tank are ammonia 0, Nitrite 0.5, and Nitrate 7. I want to put 3 swordtails, 5 corys, 1 redtailed black shark in later on too. I was wondering if i should buy another filter, because i have a 60 gallon filter on the tank right now, and some people have said thats not enough filtration. Should I maybe get a 30 Gallon filter also? just so the fish are extra happy? give me some advice please!

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

get an aquaclear 300, i have 1 on my 65 gallon tank and it does wonders

 

[SilverDollar_03]

ok, aquaclear 300. i already have a topfin60. what do the numbers mean anyways. like the "300" on aquaclear300?

 

[drunkenmonkey]

i think the 300 refers to the gallons per hour the hour the filter will turnover. so for an aquaclear300... 300 gallons of water would have passed through the filter. i think for aquaclears it is adjustable, so you can reduce the flow rate.

i think thats right... but feel free to correct if im not

 

[SilverDollar_03]

ok, that is what i would have guessed. but thanks for confirming it! ok, any other opinions on what filter to get. remember, i already have a topfin60. oh, and what about biowheel filters, what are they all about??

 

[drunkenmonkey]

bio-wheels are a form of biological filtration. since it is not fully submerged in water, the de-nitrifying bacteria can use oxygen from the air instead of the water. this will help keep oxygen levels up in the tank. i think theres a post in the hardware section about biowheels... http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4076

hth

 

[freshwater]

if you go with the aquaclear 300 there is already a form of biological filtration included in the filter so there would be no need for a form of a biowheel. correct me anybody if i am wrong

 

[SilverDollar_03]

hmmm....im not sure if i want to get a biowheel. is oxygen in the tank very imprtant? well, im sure it is, but is the average 7ppm not sufficient for fish? should i get a biowheel or a aqauclear 300?