Multiple Filters?

[SouthernJustice]

I am getting a 55 gallon for a few piranhas, however they are messy fish.. So the Whisper 60 gallon filter in my opinion will be insufficient, so I was wondering if It were all possible to use multiple Whisper (my favorite brand) filter on one tank? For example if I added a whisper 20 gal for the 55 gal for extra filtration along with the 60. Anyone here done the same?

[Damon]

Sure. Its common to use multiple filters on tanks over 55 gallons.

[SouthernJustice]

Ok thanks, Simpte.

[flynngriff]

Yeah, in fact, I highly recommend it.

I have 4 filters on my 125 gallon, and two on my 29. It's also nice not to have to panic if one of my filters breaks down.

-Flynn

[ALFA WOLF]

i agree. its good that your using 60 gallon filter on a 50's gallon tank. i use to use a 5-10 gallon filter on my 10 gallon and i had to change water lot. I switched it to a 20-30 though and adjusted hood to fit it and it stays clean. U get the idea.

[SouthernJustice]

Is it possible to over filter? Say, dual 60's on a 55? Just Wondering..

[flynngriff]

I think the only thing you need to worry about is too much current for your fish... It depends on your fish, since different fish like different amounts.

I have probably 4 times the filtration I "need" on my 125 gallon, though I generally try to double the amount of filtration recommend by the filter companies. I have overstocked tanks, which overfiltering doesn't really make ok or anything, but it helps a bit.

I can't think of any other issues, but I'm not positive that none exist.

-Flynn

[Thunderkiss]

Marineland bio wheel filters for the win.

[euRasian32]

I second flynngrif, no problem with "overfiltering" as long as you don't have too much current for the fish you're keeping. Pirahna should be able to handle a swift current, as long as there are a couple of spaces where the water is calmer (not stagnant) so they can rest.

Have you decided which pirahna? IMO I wouldn't do red bellies, but would recommend blacks or golds if you can find them. The golds will be a lil more pricey, but you'll know where that money went when you see 'em. I had 6 redbellies and 2 golds, the golds rock, the redbellies were a big disappointment. (in different tanks)

flynngrif: just curious, what 4 filters are you running?

[flynngriff]

I have a Rena Filstar XP3, a Fluval 404, a regent HOB filter I got from Wal-mart, which I retro-fitted a pair of bio-wheels to, and a DIY wet/dry overflow filter I built out of a 20 gallon aquarium and some plexiglass.

The wet/dry is my pride and joy... I paid $10 for the tank and $25 for the waterpump, and I get around 350-400 gph out of it. I figure I saved myself $100-$150 building it myself!

The Regent HOB filter is the same thing as an Emperor HOB filter since I fitted the bio-wheels to it, and it does a great job, too.

-Flynn

[SouthernJustice]

Hey euRasian32, I was looking into purchasing the red bellies. But why do you say they were a big dissapointment?!

[Damon]

Reds are very common, and thus overbred. They don't have the color the golds or blacks do. Very plain looking when compared to the others.

[ALFA WOLF]

rare to find blacks and golds were i live.

[Thunderkiss]

Blacks are supposed to be really mean too. Caveat Emptor.

[Fishfirst]

I do believe it is hard to keep blacks together... as well as blacks and anything else. As for color... its ALL in what you Feed them. Color enhancement can be achieved by feeding them a variety of foods... I have mine on a flake base, with raw shrimp, 4 different types of fish, and once in a while some mollie babies that survive in my 10 gallon. I blend it all (besides the flakes) together and put it in a baggie and freeze it... it works well and my RBP's are VERY red on the belly with deep green on top.

[euRasian32]

Originally Posted by SouthernJustice

Hey euRasian32, I was looking into purchasing the red bellies. But why do you say they were a big dissapointment?!

I just thought that they would be more active and I thought feeding times were supposed to be a little more exciting. Although feeding them were cool, but it took a lot of patience to witness.

... for the first few weeks, I would drop a goldfish hoping for a frenzy... none what so ever. I would wait for an hour, go to the bathroom, come back and have goldfish scales settling to the bottom. So for the next few days I experimented, and came up with this solution:

Kill the lights in the room. If you have guests, let them know they must remain completely still for at least 15 minutes. Drop in choice of food, and wait. And wait... When they do feed it will be extremely fast so don't blink, and it only takes one to instigate the feeding, but if you move... start all over.

If you do choose to go w/ redbellies, provide some floating plants, lots of swimming space with a couple of hiding spots. Tall plants do well for creating natural hiding spots, and get a minimum of 3-4.

Black pirahna are the least shy, and the golds are a little shy but not as bad as redbellies. I have had two golds, but they were mean to each other so I had to divide them. Never had any blacks so don't have any suggestions with them.

Flynn: Nice setup... What are you using for the overflow on the Wet/Dry? I've seen them sold, and I've seen homemade ones... then again, you could have built in overflows (drools). If you did purchase the overflow, what brand?

[flynngriff]

I bought one off ebay... It was the biggest expense of the whole setup. I could have made one, but it just wouldn't have been worth it since I couldn't have made one as good, and it would have been pretty difficult... Sadly, I don't remember the brand, but here's a few links similar to it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Name=WDVW&rd=1

Actually, this looks like the exact one I bought. It works fine, although getting the height adjusted correctly was a pain. I also put a plexiglass border around the top, about an inch out from the top of the intake basket, so my fish food doesn't get drained off the top of the water. This keeps it from working as a surface skimmer, but that's not as important to me...

-Flynn

[Fishfirst]

My piranhas used to be just like eurasians, they go through a stage just like that from 2 inches to 7 inches. Fortunately they get used to you if you put them in a high traffic area in your house. Also getting them to feed when food hits the water can be "trained" into them. If you want you can feed them, leave it in there for five minutes. (they are definately aware of the foods presence) and then take it out. If they didn't eat it within those five minutes, tough luck for them... do this repeatedly every day... they'll get the hint.