need filter advise please!?

[blueberry_pye]

So ive decided to get an aqua clear HOB filter for my 20 gallon molly tank and id like to know what model i should get. I think an aquaclear 50 would be best im told to get at least double or 3 times the amount recommended by the manafacturers. Would this be the best to get for the 20gallon and would my mollys be fine with the stronger current?

 

[frankenfish]

an aquaclear 50 is over 200% necessary filtration. you could go with a 30 and still have plenty of filtration. you'd save a few bucks too.

 

[aakaakaak]

I double filter all my tanks Frank.

TBH, you'd probably be okay with the 50, but you'll need to remember it should kick out some decent current. If you want less current you could double up a pair of 20s and stick them on either end of the tank.

 

[blueberry_pye]

ok cool thanks i went with the 50, if i adjust the flow rate to the lowest it should be ok id raher have the larger one and be able to use it when and if i upgrade my tank. The mollys should be fine with the stronger current? i read they like a stronger current some where, i tried researching their prefered water flow rate but i couldnt find much at all?

 

[blueberry_pye]

Also ive colllected some rocks and driftwood from the beach will these be save if i clean them properly?

 

[Sageofstupidity]

Also ive colllected some rocks and driftwood from the beach will these be save if i clean them properly?

As there is a very low chance of these items harboring cleaning products/soap or any other residue toxic to fish and hard to remove I would assume them safe if cleaned properly. At least that is what the Tetra forums say, I would assume if it naturally occurs in their environment and is cared for properly it should pose no threat.

Edit: From the ocean? If they are freshwater fish I would assume they might increase salinity slightly but most fish from LFS suggest adding 2 tsp salt per gallon and it is harmless to fish that do not require salt.

 

[lauraf]

I'd be careful with the driftwood, myself. The rocks I'd be more comfortable with - I have a stack of river rocks in my tank that I collected from a local creek. Either way, scrub and boil them first. And there is an easy test to ensure rocks are inert - drop some plain vinegar on them - if it doesn't fizz, they are inert.

 

[achase]

What does it mean if the rocks are not inert? Do they leak something into the water?

 

[lauraf]

It means that they can change the pH and hardness of the water - vinegar fizzing indicates a carbonate type of rock. Hydrochloric acid is better, but people are more likely to have vinegar around . . .. And just because a rock doesn't fizz doesn't mean it won't break down or leach toxins into your tank, so never use something that flakes easily and always clean them really well. I myself boil the **** out of any rocks I gather.

 

[blueberry_pye]

ok thanks,Im soaking everything at the moment to try and remove any salt from the ocean, then ill boil them! If i clean them well enough will they not leak any salt? ive also heard something about putting driftwood in the oven on a certain temp to kill any bacteria or nasties is this right?