GPH for a 20-Gallon Tank?

[rmarrandino1]

I'm going to be starting a new tank and am wondering what's the ideal GPH for a 20-Gallon non-planted tank?

I currently have a 20-gallon that has a TopFin 20 that came with it. But since I'm starting from scratch I figured that I would get a highly recommended filter and the right GHP flow.

Thanks.

 

[BobK]

I've heard anywhere from 5 to 10 times per hour is what you need so that would be from 100-200GPH. Unless you are fully to overly stocked or have messy fish such as pleco's or goldfish, I think 5 times per hour would be fine. I'd probably go with a Penguin 125 or Penguin 170. Here's their specs - http://marineland.com/products/consumer/con_penguinfilters.asp. Others prefer the AquaClear fhob filters because they are quieter but I like the bio-wheels because I think they are superior. That's just my opinion though. I don't know much about other types of filters like cannisters.

 

[FroggyFox]

I'd totally agree with Bob...and personally I would go with something that does at least 200gph just because as you turn the flow down or it gets clogged with gunk the gph goes down quite a bit for any type of filter.

 

[rmarrandino1]

Thanks!!!

 

[wonderboy905]

Last time I was in a petsmart I noticed that the top fin 20 was almost identicle to the whisper power 20 (even took the same media). I'd say you already have yourself a quality filter if it is in fact a re-branded whisper. They're easy to maintain, media is available anywhere and are as quiet as you can get. Does it have the foam insert that goes in front of the bio bag? Unless you're planning on overstocking I don't see the need to spend extra on another filter.

 

[rmarrandino1]

Wonderboy,

Sorry about the confusion. I currently have a 20-gallon tank with the TopFin 20, which looks exactly like the Whisper 20.

I'm starting a second tank that didn't come with a filter and I'm wondering if there's a better filter out there or if I need more flow.

Thanks.....Rocco

 

[wonderboy905]

Whoops my bad. If I were you I'd get a Whisper 20 if you're happy with the performance of your top fin, you already have the media to seed it with.

 

[rmarrandino1]

Thanks!