Can Two Canister Filters Be Used In One Fish Tank?

Can Two Canister Filters Be Used In One Fish Tank?

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Everyone knows that canister filters are the most efficient fish tank filters on sale today. It is true that they will cost a lot initially but if you can afford to install one, you will save a lot of time spent maintaining them and of course money. But for people who have already installed a canister filter in their aquarium, the next question that always comes to mind is should they now install two filters and will this be beneficial to the overall filtration of the fish tank water?

Honestly, no two fish enthusiasts will ever agree on whether it is a good idea or not to have two canister filters in one tank. That question has been argued about since canister filters were invented. Instead of taking sides, this article will look at the effects of having two canister filters in one fish tank and will leave it to you to decide if it is a good move or not.

The Benefits Of Having Two Canister Filters.

The obvious reason for most supporters of two filters is backup. That is to say that you will have a spare filter running in case one of them needs repair, thus ensuring that the water in your fish tank remains filtered. This reason becomes even more critical for those who live a distance from the nearest aquarium store and won't be able to repair the faulty filter quick enough.

The other reason for having an additional filter is how big the tank is. People who like more than one filter say that if the aquarium is too big, one filter will not be enough to cleanse the entire tank because there will be areas around the tank where water will not flow to the filter. Having two canister filters with their inlet positioned at opposite ends of the tank will ensure that there are no blind spots.

What's The Downside Of Using Two Canister Filters

The main issue about having multiple canister filters is water movement. The movement of water in the aquarium affects the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Water that moves at a faster rate will cause the CO2 to be expelled faster therefore reducing its amount in the water. But isn't this supposed to be good? Well, not if you also have aquatic plant life. Plants take in CO2 and expel O2. By doing so, plants actually help maintain a healthy balance of CO2/O2 levels in the water. Having insufficient carbon dioxide levels will stunt the plants growth and cause them to lose their luster.

Also, excessive filtering will not only filter out the waste materials but also the nutrients that plants are very dependant on. It is actually true that in a tank with plants, it is the plants that provide a netter and more efficient biological filtration than the beneficial bacteria.

Finally, too much water movement actually has an adverse effect on the fish as well, especially fish that are more used to very little water movement. Too much movement places unnecessary stress on them as well as actually stunt their ability to breed.

These are the advantages and disadvantages of setting up two canister filters in one fish tank. If after this you do decide to have two filters, please ensure that you reduce the suction rate which can be controlled in most canister filters to limit the amount of water movement.


About the Author:
To know more about canister filters and to enjoy great discounts from That Pet Place, visit Fish Tank Filters at http://fish-tank-filters.org today.



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