Hi guys,
I would love your advice on which filter to choose because you are the real experts unlike the lfs and the likes of pets at home... i live in england and have had my tank set up for 3-4 weeks now. It is about 4 gallons; i know i know no where near big enough for a goldfish but i will get a bigger tank when i can! I bought one of those tanks from pets at home with the filter and such like included... however although the water is clean i do get the feeling that the filter isnt doing enough... i dont even know the make of the filter.. i dont think there is one!
Would i be better getting a new one? If so, which one? What should i do if i buy one... do i place it in the tank and have the two running for a few days then take the old one out? I would really appreciate your help!
Thank you xx
Full Version: Which Filter
Considering that your fish is in only 4 gallons of water... I think I would invest in a bigger tank at the moment instead of a new filter. Some may disagree with me, but here is my logic.
Even with a proper filter in a 4 gallon tank, you will still have problems with water quality (ESPECIALLY while you are cycling the filter). It would be better, IMHO, to get your fish into a tank of 40L or more because the water will be easier to manage. You'll still have to get a bigger filter, and you'll still have to cycle it, and you'll even still have to change your fish's water every day, but in the long run for the health of your fish, I think a bigger tank first would be better.
Another very feasible option would be to get a temporary tank (such as a "Really Useful Box" over there in England; Rubbermaid tubs for most of us in the States) of proper size (again, 40L or more) and invest in a nice, large filter.
Whoops I didn't answer all of your questions!
As for the best filter type, try asking over in the International Forum. I don't know what's readily available to you there. Be sure, however, that the filter you do get processes more than 400L per hour.
When you get a new filter, your tank will go through the nitrogen cycle (see the link I posted above). It is very important that you read up on this natural process and are prepared for it. Also, it is ESSENTIAL that you get a kit for testing your water parameters. I would leave BOTH filters on the tank.
If you have more questions after reading about the nitrogen cycle, please do ask!
Even with a proper filter in a 4 gallon tank, you will still have problems with water quality (ESPECIALLY while you are cycling the filter). It would be better, IMHO, to get your fish into a tank of 40L or more because the water will be easier to manage. You'll still have to get a bigger filter, and you'll still have to cycle it, and you'll even still have to change your fish's water every day, but in the long run for the health of your fish, I think a bigger tank first would be better.
Another very feasible option would be to get a temporary tank (such as a "Really Useful Box" over there in England; Rubbermaid tubs for most of us in the States) of proper size (again, 40L or more) and invest in a nice, large filter.
Whoops I didn't answer all of your questions!
As for the best filter type, try asking over in the International Forum. I don't know what's readily available to you there. Be sure, however, that the filter you do get processes more than 400L per hour.
When you get a new filter, your tank will go through the nitrogen cycle (see the link I posted above). It is very important that you read up on this natural process and are prepared for it. Also, it is ESSENTIAL that you get a kit for testing your water parameters. I would leave BOTH filters on the tank.
If you have more questions after reading about the nitrogen cycle, please do ask!
A question regarding what Joy said, and just because I'm curious: in the case that you already have a filter and want to move over to a larger one, or want to add a second one, would it do any good to take a piece of the old filter materials (those that have BB I mean) and add it to the new filter, to speed it along, or is the BB seeding you can buy in the shops better (or would a combination of both be best)? It's just a hypothetical question though... (and boy was that a long sentence 
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