Canister size

[ed gibbs]

So i have this 30-35 gl aquarium that i want to set up as a planted tank. I want to put in aprox. 40-50-neon tetras , 1 male betta , 2 cories and a few shrimp. yes i exceeded the 1 inch rule, can this be done ? I want to purchase a Fluval canister , based on my tank size the 207 is the proper canister. But because i want to add so many fish i was thinking i should go with the 307 . My thinking is that the 307 would take care of my filtration needs but my worry is that i might be adding to much turbulence.What should i do ?    Yes i am a new at this.     Thanks  Ed Gibbs

[Biotope Biologist]

Hi Ed welcome! First I don't think you're adding too much fish although you may want to add them in piecewise so as to not shock the bacteria. All the tankmates you have listed produce very little waste so as long as you don't have a heavy hand feeding it should be alright. I think you should add more cories though as they are a schooling fish.

 

As for the canister filter I would go with the larger one to allow for more surface area. It's been awhile since I sold fluvals and I primarily used aquatop so correct me if I'm wrong. The canister filter should have a lever that restricts the flowrate at the top by the hoses. You can also buy a rainbar attachment for the outflow if one isn't provided. This will also serve to dissipate flow. Secondly fluval only gives 1 tray of ceramic rings out of 3 possible trays. I would up this to 2 trays of bio-ceramics. Doesn't matter the variety just provides surface area for your bacteria. You only need 1 filter cloth tray as this is only useful for mechanical filtration. Again fluval may have changed their design philosophy recently so hopefully this is still accurate information.

[ed gibbs]

thankyou

[HH Morant]

I agree that you want to choose the canister with more room for filter media if you are going to stock heavily. You can find ways to deal with the flow.

For filter media I prefer 30 ppi foam (for biological filtration, not mechanical). See aquariumscience.org articles on filtration. It made a big difference in my aquarium.

Edited November 19, 2021 by HH Morant

[eatyourpeas]

On 11/19/2021 at 11:21 AM, HH Morant said:

For filter media I prefer 30 ppm foam (for biological filtration, not mechanical). See aquariumscience.org articles on filtration. It made a big difference in my aquarium.

I have replaced all the carbon/floss with sponge and ceramic media in my canisters. They work great!

[HH Morant]

I meant ppi - pores per inch - not ppm. So I fixed it.

[Guppysnail]

I use fluval of all their sizes. I use a 407 on a 29 gallon extremely overstocked guppy tank. I can adjust the flow down to accommodate guppies aim the outflow to the surface for the extra aeration and coop coarsev20-30-40 ppi sponge. I also use 307 on a 40breeder and 2-20longs crazy stocking needs and over stocked. I have 207 on 20long and 107 on 20long and a 10 same weird stock needs and sponge. The moral of this over long narrative is get the largest canister your budget can accommodate 10gal and less excluded). You will never regret the upgrade. Fluval 07 series flow adjustment will adjust down farther than a small hob. I love them. 

[isaly]

On 11/19/2021 at 2:21 PM, HH Morant said:

I agree that you want to choose the canister with more room for filter media if you are going to stock heavily. You can find ways to deal with the flow.

For filter media I prefer 30 ppi foam (for biological filtration, not mechanical). See aquariumscience.org articles on filtration. It made a big difference in my aquarium.

I read that as well. I think I'm using Matrix and I think I'll swap out one tray with 30 ppi every couple of months or so, watching all the way of course.