http://forum.aqua-fish.net/ A forum devoted to aquarium fish, plants, techniques and fish keeping as a whole. en http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=filter-question#1 Hello There , I have had a small 10 gallon tank for a while now , but I'm moving up to a 55 gallon , with my small tank I have had very few problems , but after doing a lot of looking as to what I want in my new tank , I'm giving myself headaches over what to choose filter wise ? My new tank is 12 " x 22" x 48"(Fresh Water) and I have been reading about currents caused in the tank by filters and was wondering if you think one large hang on the back filter would be good , I wonder if it will do a good job on such a long tank or would two smaller filters adding up to the same volume as one large filter do a better job and not cause such strong currents ? do the currents really matter ? . Years ago on my first tank I had an under gravel filter , and remember the long cleaning schedule to it properly , and that is why "I Think ?" I would like the one you hang on the back , so if you give me a nudge in the right direction , I'll go with it . Thanks -David- David847 2009-06-16 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=filter-question#2 As you sau under gravel filters have had their day and the maintenace required makes me always advise against them. HOB filters are efficient but have you considered a canister filter, on the outlet pipe you can fit a spraybar that can be slowed down to produce a low current in the water. If you were considering internal filters then they would need a high current to cope with a 48" tank. mickey 2009-06-16 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=filter-question#3 Current of the water matters. Strong or slow current is important because of the fish you want to have. For example tetras like even strong current, but bettas dont. It depends on the origin of the fish. Also even when you have a lot of plants, the current will be slower. We had 2 very strong internal filters in 35 inch tank and a lot of plants and the filters still could not filter the tank properly. Now we have 59 inch tank with a canister filter and we control the plants and everything is ok :-) That canister filter make strong current in the surface area and our tetras like it, but in the other parts of the tank the current is slow, so fish can choose how strong current they want. Elektra 2009-06-16 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=filter-question#4 Thanks Mickey and Zuzana , I have taken your advice and now looking and choosing from the canister filters . When I looked at them they looked a bit complicated for me , but now reading more into them , I'm thinking they are the one for me . Thanks for your Advice -David- David847 2009-06-17