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Alan R
08-31-2008, 8:14 PM
Not sure if the belongs in this forum or the equipment forum. I assume it could go either way.

We have had 2 emp. 400's on our 75 gallon since we got it. They have been absolutely perfect for that size tank. We have just tore it down and completely re done it. Our intent is to get serious about plant and make it a heavily planted. We just replaced the gravel with plant substrate and next is our lighting.
Getting to my point, I read in another thread on here that bio wheel filters are not real good for planted tanks. The 2 Emps are on our 100 right now. My question is, should I leave the 2 Emp. on the 100 and get a canister for the 75? Or could I go with the original plan, which is put the 2 Emps back on the 75 planted and get an Fx5 for the 100?

TwoTankAmin
08-31-2008, 8:18 PM
Unless you are adding co2, or walking right on the edge of that where you dont want to outgas the co2, it doesn't matter. I have my lone Emp 400 on a heavily planted 45 gal. tank and have for 8 years.

Riiz
08-31-2008, 9:46 PM
Its not that Bio-wheels arent effective filters, its that in the planted tank community, gas efficiency is praised. And the spraybars on the Emps are really effective at oxygenating water, and out-gasing CO2.

Alan R
08-31-2008, 9:56 PM
Its not that Bio-wheels arent effective filters, its that in the planted tank community, gas efficiency is praised. And the spraybars on the Emps are really effective at oxygenating water, and out-gasing CO2.

So would you suggest I get a canister for the planted and leave the 400's on the 100?

Fordtrannyman
08-31-2008, 10:04 PM
If you can, step up to a canister filter. Not just to alleviate C02 gassing, but also will aid in water flow control and much easier to maintain plant placement and the filter itself.

Mgamer20o0
09-01-2008, 12:21 AM
if your going to run co2 then go for it. co2 isnt a must but it helps.

Alan R
09-01-2008, 1:38 AM
if your going to run co2 then go for it. co2 isnt a must but it helps.

I have no intention of running CO2 for at least a year. baby steps.