Brand new Emperor 280 too big for 10g tank?

This is my first fish tank. I bought a second hand 10g tank and ordered a Marineland Emperor 280 Power Filter. I did not realize how big it was until it came in today. Is it too big to use on a 10g tank? Maybe I should go with a Marineland Penguin instead? I would appreciate any advice.

yes you would have quiet a current... even tho kinda powerful, i do use them on a 20L lol. something smaller would be better... hopefully you can exchange it for something smaller..

Wish ya were closer.. I've got 2 that are perfect for a 10g... need one for a 20-30...

Yeah, that would be great.. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought the filter. I didn't expect it to be so big.. oh well, I think I'm gonna go with the Marineland Penguin Filter for a 20g tank. I just want to avoid having to clean the tank every couple of weeks. I thought by getting a larger filter it would help more, but not that large.

Even with a good filter you need to clean it every week due to chemicals in the water.

Soccer.. I have to agree with the Vix... if ya can't give about 15 minutes a week to your fish.. well?.... That 15 minutes give ya hours and hours of enjoyment... Save a couple of milk jugs.. (1 gal).. fill em up each week and drop in a few drops of Prime (one bottle at $8.00 or so should last ya a year).. let em set for a day... (3 minute effort tops)... then siphon off 2 gallons a week.. and replenish with that aged water! Your fishies will love ya! (And last a lot longer)..

If that's all I need to do that's not a problem. I haven't had a fish tank setup since I was little, but from what I remember we use to put him in a fish bowl with some of the old water and completely clean the tank out...rinsing out the gravel and scrubbing it. How often do you completely clean the tank out? Or do the water changes keep buildup from happening?

Water changes will be rid you of mostly all unwanted derbies if you have a water siphon for a tank it is designed to suck up all the yuck "My 2 yr Daughter calls it"if you do these weekly your fish will be Happy.When a tank is setup cycled it has beneficial bacteria in it which is good and is key to keeping your fish swimming not floating . Far as cleaning your tank completely I would say it depends on the situation. And if clean your gravel,decor,plants, anything in the aquarium try to use the water you drain out if you plan on putting back in the tank this kinda insures no chemical contamination to harm your fish.The best info is right at your finger tips the internet is the best place to search for knowledge,Step by step Directions do's and do not's,How to's,Do it your self.Etc USAfishbox.com is loaded with all of the above plus "Welcome" to the site and Happy fish Keeping

Taking everything out and completely starting fresh while the fish waits in a bucket is not recommended, as above. The beneficial bacteria develop during the "cycle" of the tank, and these bacteria grow on the gravel, glass, decor and all hard surfaces, including the filter. You don't want to obliterate these bacteria.

Once the tank is initially cycled then you do partial water changes (PWCs) weekly or so, at which time you'll vacuum the gravel and keep unwanted debris from building up. If you do that and don't overfeed you won't have a problem.

The filter is less for physically removing visible waste (does a pretty shoddy job of that, in fact, unless the fish oblige by pooping directly into the filter intake) than it is for moving water and supplying the beneficial bacteria that is growing in the filter with oxygen and more food that is in the water itself from the fish.

BTW, I'd not exchange the filter but I'd put it away for another tank later - there will be more tanks and you'll be glad to have it! :)

That's great advice from phish head and tank girl. I couldn't have said it better my self.

TG's final statement is the best~!

you will definanly have a strong current

i have a emp 400 on a 10 gallon lol. also a penguin 350 on another lol.

bet those tanks have pretty good filtration lol.

yeah lol.

That puts a whole new shine on the word overkill.