Tank/Filter Sizes

[GuyM]

I currently have a 24"W/12"H/12"D tank and am using what I think is an "AquaClear 30" water filter.
I plan to upgrade to a 24"W/10"H/24"D tank, to give my Axy's more room and possibly move some more in, will I need to upgrade the filter, or will the current one be sufficent for the larger tank?
If so I have a spare "Magic-Jet Magi 380" filter that is not in use, can I place one filter at either ends of the tank instead of upgrading?
Thanks

 

[Shizeric]

How many Axolotls do you currently have in the tank? Looks like you currently have a 15 gallon tank which is barely large enough for 1, and you plan on moving to a 25 gallon, which is appropriate for 1 MAYBE 2. I would not advise adding any more animals, but in terms of the filter the aquaclear 30 is rated for up to 30 gallons, so that would be fine...just make sure the outflow of the filter is not causing too much disruption in the water.

 

[dragonlady]

To add to what Eric has said, if you are planning on upgrading the size of the tank, you would be better off going for a larger footprint rather than a deeper tank...Floor space is much more important to an axolotl than depth as they are mostly bottom dwellers and prefer walking around to swimming.

I agree the filter will be fine but you may want to diffuse the outflow to decrease the impact as it hits the water's surface. Axolotls don't like fast moving water. If there's not an adjustment on the filter itself, you can use extra media (cotton) to cut down the flow, an artificial plant, a block of wood, or even a soda bottle with the ends cut off and a slit to slide over the outflow.

The recommendation is usually 12 in/10 US gallons per axolotl but for the first one, you should allow a little more space - like Eric says, 15 gallons is suitable for one, not two.

 

[Jennewt]

There is nothing wrong with using two small filters in one large tank. I think you could try using both of your filters and see how it goes.

If I understand the dimensions correctly, he is going to approximately double the floor space of the tank. I agree that this is still only enough for 2 axolotls. Three might be possible, but that's pushing it. Where are you getting a tank that size? That's not a standard size.

 

[Shizeric]

Not to disagree Jenn, but both the aqua clear 30 and magi 380 are each rated for about 30 gallons, and it would be quite a bit of overkill to use both in a 25 gallon tank.

 

[jclee]

I thought I read Jen's comment to mean two smaller filters with lower output, in lieu of one, strong filter?