Can you over filter a tank with sponge filters? Seeking opinions.

[Kim M.]

Hey everyone!  So I have a 40 gallon breeder, and I have 4 midsize sponge filters in it across the back.  I also run a small internal filter just to put floss in to "polish" the water.  I have 24 danios, 10 brilliant rasboras, and a Bolivian Ram.  Oh, and a few snails.  So I'm wondering if it's possible to over filter.  I know that's a lot of sponge filters.  They are the Co-Op midsize ones.  I think they're the "up to 20 gallon" ones.  Opinions?

[Melkor]

Not really...unless there was no room to swim lol. But in all seriousness its fine as long as the fish are ok with the flow.

[modified lung]

Consistency is the most important factor. Unless you're creating some crazy water turbulence with them. Otherwise, a few of those sponge filters are just taking up space where some sweet plants or driftwood could be.

[lefty o]

it is really hard to truly over filter a fish tank.

[amanda7]

I agree you aren't over filtering. Do you need all those filters? Probably not. You could remove a couple of the sponge filters but if you are happy with things the look and the way things are you can leave it. You will  be safe either way. If you do remove couple of sponge filters I would remove one and then let the tank run for a week or so and then ren remove the second just to give the tank time to get use to the change. In my experience fast changes are not normally good. when you make changes slower has always worked best for me expect in an emergency situations.