Filtration Systems

Question
hello ron thanks for your fast informative response to my last question. I was wondering can i use an underground filter for my oscars. i am not talking about the submersible filter.  also  how many oscars can i put in a 29 gallon, and how many convicts i can put in a 10 gallon for them to be successful. does a filter affect the life of my fish. if so what type of filter should i have in a 10 gallon tank for a convict and     what type of filter should i have for my 29 gallon for my oscar? can you give me some names of some affordable filters?  thank you in advance ron :)

Answer
Hi Carron,
 I would not recommend an undergravel filter for either oscars or convicts, for two good reasons.  Undergravel filters do not filter enough for either of these fish and equally importantly, oscars and convicts both dig gravel alot and this will uncover the filter plates, rendering the filter useless.

  I would put only a single oscar in a 29 gallon tank. In a 10 gallon tank, I would put only two convicts.

  For the oscar, I suggest something like one of the Marineland Penguin-type external filters that hang on the back of the tank.  For the convicts, you could use a sponge filter in the tank.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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