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Using Multiple Filters on an Aquarium

Can I use two filters on one larger tank. For example two filters that work for a 30 gal tank and use them on a 55 gal tank.

Can I use two filters on one larger tank. For example two filters that work for a 30 gal tank and use them on a 55 gal tank.
Yes, in the past when filters were not so sophisticated, two filters on a larger aquarium was about the only way to go to ensure all the filtration needs were covered. It is now almost impossible to purchase an undergravel filter, but when they were in their peak, they were often used with a comparable filter to the AquaClear power filters to provide added biological filtration for filters that were not very strong in this area. The same principle can be used to provide better filtration from pairing filters than is available from the individual units themselves.
Combining an outside power filter such as an AquaClear with a canister filter such as the Fluval units provides a symbiotic style of filtration that is much more powerful than running ether by itself. The main strengths of the AquaClear filtering system is mechanical removal of suspended debris from the system, biological filtration is quite adequate. The Fluval does have relatively good mechanical removal properties, but moves much less water, so does not provide quite as strong suction removal. On the other hand, the Fluval provides excellent biological filtration capacity with maximum media capacity and flexibility. The slower moving water flow makes them very efficient at removing toxins such as ammonia and nitrite from the passing water stream. In addition the media flexibility allows greater creativity in media selection to perform specific chemical alterations of water characteristics. When paired, the AquaClear removes most particles and strains the water of debris, keeping the water clear and clean. By doing this, the Fluval's input and media levels are less prone to clogging and fill much more slowly with dirt. The biological and chemical filtration capacity of the Fluval system can be exploited much better, and for longer periods.

In the case where the tank is being multiply filtered by smaller filters than rated for the actual aquarium capacity, exploitation of this principle of symbiotic filtration strength is quite useful. The combination of two different filters with complimentary abilities should provide much better filtration in the long run than either could offer by itself. Be sure any proposed combination exploits and covers any weaknesses of the two systems so the combined filter power is much stronger than the simple addition of the two filters together.

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