Thinking about improving the filtration for 13 gallon tank

[Kongo]

My 13-gallon Aquael tank has a Veramax 3 hang-on filter. Some claim it provides insufficient filtration, so I’m looking for potentially better options.

Any suggestions?
Thank you.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

How effective a filter is always depends on the bioload. If filtration is not sufficient, then nutrients will increase in the water and eventually have problems. So testing nitrates and phosphates will give you an indication if the filtration is adequate or not.

IMO, the main filtration on such a small tank is weekly water changes. You don't have a lot of room on a small tank to add too much equipment, so rely on water changes to keep your water condition optimal.

The hob filter provides some mechanical filtration and chemical filtration, nut overall is not very sufficient by itself, it needs other filtration type to help it, in this case, water changes.

 

[Kongo]

How effective a filter is always depends on the bioload. If filtration is not sufficient, then nutrients will increase in the water and eventually have problems. So testing nitrates and phosphates will give you an indication if the filtration is adequate or not.

IMO, the main filtration on such a small tank is weekly water changes. You don't have a lot of room on a small tank to add too much equipment, so rely on water changes to keep your water condition optimal.

The hob filter provides some mechanical filtration and chemical filtration, nut overall is not very sufficient by itself, it needs other filtration type to help it, in this case, water changes.

Thanks for the input.

So, swapping the Veramax for something like the Tunze Comline Filter 3162 won’t make much of a difference?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thanks for the input.

So, swapping the Veramax for something like the Tunze Comline Filter 3162 won’t make much of a difference?

I just googled the tunze comline, I've never used one. The tunze also provides surface skimming which is an added benefit.

But I have 5 and 10 gallon tanks, and putting a filter inside the tank is ugly and it takes so much space inside the tank. Its not something I would recommend.

Can I ask how many fish your tank has, and what is the nitrate and phosphate level?

I keep all nano tanks, my 15 gallon softie tank runs on powerheads and nothing else, just weekly water changes. Many people do it like this. Its very possible and easy to run a small tank with minimal filtration, water changes really are the best form of filtration on small tanks.

 

[reefiteasy]

Water changes are your best friend on a nano tank