How many powerheads are recommended for a standard 20 gal

[FreshWaterTanker]

I am new to the forum, but have been an owner of freshwater tanks for 10 years. I am not a professional breeder, just a hobbyist.

I upgraded from my old standard 10 gallon tank to a modest 20 gallon.

My new 20 gallon tank is from TopFin.

My 12X24 underground filter is via PerfectaFlo.

I have an Aqua-Tech Power Filter for aquariums that are 10-20 gallons.

And I have installed two (2) Aqua-Tech Power Heads at 170 GPH per powerhead.

My question is this: How many powerheads are recommended for a standard 20 gallon tank?

This is my first time ever using a powerhead.

In the past, I have always used the Aqua-Tech Premium Undergravel Filter system that included two (2) Filter Plates, two (2) Gravel Guards, two (2) Uplift Tubes, two (2) Elbow Diffusers, two (2) Rigid Airlines, two (2) Air Diffusers, two (2) Carbon Cartridges, and one (1) Plug; however, now that my local retailer no longer carries the Air Diffusers or the Carbon Cartridges I am forced to upgrade to powerheads.

So, I bought two. One for each Uplift Tube. I placed them both in the back of my tank, one on th left-hand side and the other on the right-hand side.

My New 20 gallon tank only inhabits five (5) Calico Fintail (Fancy) Gold Fish. Each Calico is approximately five (5) inches long. Nothing exotic like tropical fish or coral reef tanks.

Although, I wish I had the mad skills and abilities to run with the big dogs in those salt water habitats, but for now it is just simple freshwater tanks for my daughter's amusement.

[Siberman]

I don't mean to offend you but:

1) You have way too many goldfish for a 20 gallon. Goldfish put out a lot of waste and five "five-inchers" would be happier in a much larger tank. (Think 50 + gallons.)

2) Under-gravel filters are useful in some situations but you have such a high bio-load that this one is pretty much just a waste trap. The ammonia/nitrite/nitrate have to go somewhere and they'll end up in the water column.

3) 2 X 170 gph = 340 gph. Not bad for a reef tank but I don't imagine fantail goldfish will appreciate that flow rate in a 20 gallon.

4) You'd do much better (IMHO) removing or blocking off the under-gravel , keeping the hang on filter and doing very frequent water changes on this tank.

You might also consider trading in the five for a pair of 2" or less goldies.

[FreshWaterTanker]

Siberman,

Thanks for the reply and no I am not offended in the least. There is a reason why I am not a professional breeder. One of my friends suggested that my new TopFin tank was too small, but I already have it set up and running. Now I have to tare it down and take it back. Good think I never added the fish.

And you say that I should 86 the 12X24 underground PerfectaFlo filter and the two (2) Aqua-Tech Power Heads at 170 GPH per powerhead as they are more problematic in a modest 20 gallon tank.

Okay, I can do that, but if I upgrade (again) to a 50 gallon tank will I then need that equipment?

Thanks SO much for your feedback. Much appreciated. Draining tank now.

[Loverotties]

I agree with Siberman except capping off the UG,I'd take it out.If you cap it off it will die and could cause big problems.But you would be better to just set up a bigger tank and then you could use all your equipment.

[Siberman]

I'd skip the undergravel and powerheads completely and invest in a larger filter and a "Python" water change device.

[FreshWaterTanker]

Siberman,

20 gallon tank successfully drained. Dismantled the Aqua-Tech Power Filter for aquariums that are 10-20 gallons, the two (2) Aqua-Tech Powe Heads at 170 GPH per powerhead and the 12x24 underground PerfectaFlo filter.

Loverotties,

I am not going to cap the under-gravel. I am in agreement with both you and Siberman. I have removed the entire system.

Taking 20 gallon aquarium and equipment back today.

Sigh. I guess I am going shopping for a 50 gallon tank. Now how am I going to transport and/or carry that thing? It is just me and my daughter this tank is for her. It will be going in her bedroom...which is upstairs.

What is a "Python" water change device? Siberman, is this what you use with your 50 gallon tank(s)? Never heard of it. Might be able to purchase the 50 gallon tank today, but have no clue on where to buy this "Python". Unfortunately, I no longer shop on-line.

The Calicos are separate individual temporary hosptial tanks. Five (5) fish, five (5) tanks. One (1) fish per tank.

[Siberman]

You need to check out the upstairs flooring before putting a large tank there. A full 50 will weigh around 500 pounds. You really might ought to consider the smaller tank with smaller / less fish or think about putting it on the ground floor.

A Python is a long plastic hose with a gravel vac on one end and a two-way valve on the other. It allows you to remove the old water into the sink then refill the tank from the faucet. Go to http://www.drsfostersmith.com/ and search for it. You can then find it at Wal-Mart (if you're lucky).

[FreshWaterTanker]

Siberman,

Ah! The upstairs floor! That is right! Like a waterbed. Need to make sure that the floor is strong enough to support a waterbed. Makes sense to check a 55 gal tank's weight. I had completely forgotten about that. Thanks for reminding me.

And thanks for the Python link. Looking into it.