What size filter do you need for 55 gallon fish tank?

It’s recommended that you get a filter with a GPH that is at least four times your tank volume. For example, for a 55 gallon tank, you want a GPH of at least 220.

Can undergravel filters work?

A UGF is run by an air pump and air stones, or with a powerhead. We feel that these filters can be very effective but are best used in tanks under 55 gallons in size and are NOT appropriate for use in reef tanks. UGFs may work just fine. The trick is to keep the media clean, via a regular maintenance schedule.

Do you have to clean under gravel filters?

Undergravel filters do need cleaning to keep them running properly. If the dirt they suck in is not removed it will eventually slow the flow of water through the bed. This reduces the amount of oxygen getting to the beneficial bacteria, leading to poor performance and a deterioration in water quality.

Does a 55 gallon fish tank need 2 filters?

As a rule of thumb, when you have a full 55-gallon tank, the water should be cycled through the filter at least five times. Therefore you need filters with an outflow rate of 275 gallons per hour (GPH) at the minimum. There are several designs with their pros and cons suitable for most aquariums.

How many fish should you have in a 55 gallon tank?

Bottom Line. The one-inch-per-gallon rule still applies, so be sure that you do not exceed 55 inches of fish in a 55-gallon tank. This roughly equates to four or five bottom-dwelling fish along with a couple algae eaters.

Is PVC safe for fish tanks?

PVC is a great material to improve your aquarium. Not only does it offer great benefits, but it’s also easy to use for creating tunnels and caves and is a great solution for aquarium overflow and filters.

What is a breeder box for fish?

What is a Breeder Box? A breeder net or box is a container used to temporarily hold tiny babies, eggs, or even sick fish that need to be isolated while they heal. Most breeder boxes float at the water surface or attach to the side of the aquarium so that the fry share the same water as the rest of the fish.

Can you split a tank?

Tank dividers allow water to pass through so you do not have to install an additional tank heater or filtration system. A tank divider gives you a simple way to separate aggressive fish from the other fish in your tank without buying a new tank or getting rid of the aggressive fish.

Is Gorilla Glue safe for fish?

The Gorilla gel super glue can be used as aquarium glue.

Is black PVC safe for fish?

Is it OK to run two filters in one tank?

Don’t Multiple Filters “Compete” on the Fish Tank? It is true that if you use more than one filter on your fish tank, neither of those filters will perform as efficiently as it would if it were the only filter on the aquarium. This is expected, but is not a problem.

Can you over filter your tank?

An aquarium can be over-filtered because large filters have large pumps that can move the water too quickly. When the water is cycled at an excessive rate, spread sediment all over the tank, push the fish around, and more. The water should pass through the filter four times an hour.

How long can you keep a fish in a breeder box?

How long do you keep fry in the breeder box? In general, the babies should be large enough to not fit in mouths of the adult fish before you add them back into your main tank. For livebearer fry, this may be as soon as 4 to 5 weeks.

Do I need an air stone if I have a sponge filter?

Do I Need an Air Stone for Sponge Filters? An air stone is a small weighted accessory that diffuses the air from your air pump into smaller bubbles in the water. We recommend adding an air stone to the inside of the sponge filter to lessen the bubbling noise and make the filtration more efficient.

Is a sponge filter better than a filter?

While they are not the best option for every aquarium system, sponge filters work well in smaller and well-established aquariums that require low water flow and have delicate livestock. They are powered by an air pump and help oxygenate the water while filtering out larger particles and housing beneficial bacteria.