2 hob filters for flow?

ok so i did something stupid and started a tank and i cant afford to finish lol. i have 2 tetra40 HOB filters and ive been running one with carbon and one empty. they are on one side of the tank right now but i planned on dremeling out the hood on the other side to fit the other filter and try to spread the "flow". i know i need power heads just dont have the funds for any right now. is this worth doing for my yt damsel or is it a waste of electricity running the other empty filter. i didnt want to cut apart my hood for nothing. thankyou in advance.

 

Not too familiar with Tetra filters. Isn't that freshwater? Don't think your Damsel will tell any difference. I'd be worried more about green hair algae & cyano. But your bioload is very light to nil nless you really feed heavily. How far away is your powerhead purchase?

I'd keep an eye (AM & PM) on the fishy daily. Check my params weekly. Regular water changes etc....should buy you some time. I wouldn't add anymore fish until you're set and ready.

Good Luck.

(p.s. yeah, see it now...20w fluorescent?)

 

it won't hurt to have both on the same side. The more flow the better, if your tank is fish only you can get away with less flow.

how much live rock do you have? and do you have a skimmer??

 

just read your signature, 12 pounds of rock is not much you should add another 24 pounds at least.

 

more rock and a skimmer and fuge are all in the plans but the finacial end of the plans fell out and have to wait. ive had my damsel for a couple months and it seems happy. just didnt know if the work was worth the effort.

 

shecter

for a single Damsel in a 38 gallon - you are fine with what you have got IMHO

if you are eventually looking to reef up that tank, then as you realise you are going to have to invest in some additional equipment

additional rock, more flow, and depending on what corals, lighting - but they can all wait until your in a position to do so

I would invest in 2 things for the empty HOB filter
GFO (for phosphate control)
and depending on your nitrate level - a chemical media designs to remove nitrates

those 2 things would help improve and maintain water quality

Steve