Is My filter ok?

[richy0708]

I have a "Tetra/Second Nature Whisper Economy Power Filter 10" for a 10 gallon tank. I was wondering if this is an Ok. Filter for a 10g or can i do better?

But my concern is the cloudyness of my water. Its not THAT cloudy, but its not crystal clear either, does this have anything to do with my filter?

>Richy< *SUNSMILE*

 

[exhumed07]

well on the filter being good enough. no such thing there is always better out there but I have had alot of luck with the penguin 150 bio wheel. now my question to u, Is the tank new and just set up or have u fully cycled the tank yet? durring the cycle the water will get a bit cloudy.

 

[FroggyFox]

How old is the tank? ie, how long has it been set up?

I would personally suggest an aquaclear HOB filter instead of that whisper if you're looking to upgrade. If you look for the GPH (Gallons per hour) rating on a filter it'll tell you whether its good enough. I shoot for like 10x an hour, so if I was looking for a filter for a 10 I'd find something that did at least 100gph. But you really can't 'over' filter...so I usually go for something higher than that.

 

[richy0708]

ahh ok, It is about 5 months now, but i was wondering what GPH meant and now its obvioius and i feel dumb lol. thankyou for your responses but my tanks is about 5 months old now, does lighting have to do with anything with how clear the water will look? or is it maybe algea on the back glass part? i just want my tank to be crystal clear , becuase like i said its not THAT cloudy but its not crystal clear either. ............or maybe im just really picky. ><

 

[exhumed07]

there might be a slight bit of scum on the glass. I'm guessing it is glass and not acrylic. just get some sponges with the scratchy side on it with NO soap. do a nice lil scrub down on the glass and see if that was the problem and lighting won't have anything to do with it unless it is exposed to sunlight then u might have an algea problem. sunlight in any tank can cause algea to grow. if that is the case just move the tank or shut the blinds to alow as little sunlight to enter as possible.

 

[richy0708]

My tank isnt near a window, it actualy seems a little clearer now, idk what it is/was maybe its me im a little picky. it just doesnt look like other peoples tanks when they take pictures. i think the light makes my water look a little yellow. its not flouresent its the screw in kind.

 

[exhumed07]

I'm not sure if incandesant is all that much diferent then florecent or not. I know my 10 is a lil cloudy at times but my 55 never is. but in a 10 if something is not balanced perfectly it can all go out of control real fast where as a larger tank will progress alot more slowly and is easier to correct. at least that is what I have noticed although I havn't been keeping fish for as long as alot of other people here. had my 10 for about a year and a half and my 55 since last christmas.

 

[richy0708]

That makes it ALOT more clearer(not the tank the subject =p). yeah ive heard lots of people say somthing similar to what you said. Thankyou for all your responses i think its just that small tank get dirty quicker, same as small houses get dirty quicker (i live ina condo so i know XD) i wish i had space for a larger tank. Thank you for all your help , but i think if i get the money i might wana get a bio wheel filter. or just a BETTER filter in general =)

 

[exhumed07]

just remember u can never over filter the water. in my 55 I have 2 bio wheel 350 filters. one is enough to filter a 75 gallon tank. but gald I could help

 

[seastaar88]

LOL i have a rena xp2 on my 20g!

 

[richy0708]

arent those like 100+$?? on a 20g =O

 

[seastaar88]

yeah, but to me that's no big deal. i like good equipment and i'm a huge fan for overfiltration.

 

[richy0708]

It would take me for EVER to save up for one of those. i want a job

 

[exhumed07]

I'm perfectly happy with my penguin. it's not the best filter in the world but it is still good quality and I think I spent 65 on it. that is a good alternative to the more expensive filters. but I thing when I get my 150-300g tank I'm going to do my first canister filter and sump.

 

[Lotus]

Almost all filters will do a good enough job as long as they're not rated for a smaller tank.

By the way, it's better to get cleaning pads at the fish store. Some of those in the supermarket contain antibacterials or other dangerous chemicals for fish. It's better to spend a couple of bucks and get something fish safe.

 

[richy0708]

i have one of those magnet cleaners, it works really good

 

[exhumed07]

I find the magnet cleaners to be a joke. I have to SCRUB the glass or it will stay foggy. and u can go to the dollar store and get 10 spunges with nothing on them for a buck. and who knows how I'll have the 10 since I been using 1 for the past 3 months.

 

[richy0708]

Actualy the Magnet cleaner was more like a gift i didnt pay for it. I wouldnt pay 20 bucks for it anyways, to much for somthing that cleans algea off a glass tank. but i do think it works well, and you dont have to get wet, but if it wasn't given to me. i probly wouldnt have got one, befor i got it, i have to agree the sponges work just fine. if you dont mind getting wet. but thats a part of fishkeeping *thumbsups

If anyone does decide to get a magnet cleaner, watch your fingers *laughingc

 

[exhumed07]

as long as it works for u but I've never had any luck with them.

 

[seastaar88]

i love magfloats. sure, they aren't perfect, but for a quick wipe-down every day, nothing could be easier. heck, i've even been able to get my fiance to use it! hehe!