Filtration in planted nano tanks?

[Starry]

I realize that some people consider 10 gals nano tanks as well, but I'm talking more like 1 or 2 gal. What do you do for filtration and current? Filtration I guess wouldn't be essential, but water movement is. Don't say AC Mini because I use it on my 10gal and I find even that too strong for my taste. Any suggestions?

[slease]

I'm looking after one of those 1 gallon aquariums that are 10 bucks from walmart. It has an undergravel filter with a powerhead which provides the little current such a small tank needs.

[Starry]

UG's are no good for plants, and the airstone would cause too much surface disturbance I think. I have one of those, I used to grow fry in them, but plants never did well.

[slease]

Thats my bad, I forgot what category this topic was under and didn't see the plants part of your post, lol. Sorry I can't be of any help.

[Timmain42]

Originally posted by Starry
UG's are no good for plants, and the airstone would cause too much surface disturbance I think. I have one of those, I used to grow fry in them, but plants never did well.

Airstone ripple (and just ripple period) only counts if you are injecting CO2, either DIY or pressurized (the CO2 gets degassed by the surface movement).

A decent alternative for CO2 in nano tanks is Flourish Excel. It's not a perfect solution, but it does work. It also allows you to use filtration that you might not have been able to use before. But don't use the UGF. Roots get caught up in it, etc.
:shake:

[Starry]

Timmain - so what's the other filtration you're talking about then? That's my big question.

[Timmain42]

Something like this product (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3918&D=corner%20filter&R=7292&Ntt=corner%20filter&Ntk=All&Dx=mode+matchallany&Ntx=mode+matchallany&Np=1&N=0&Nty=1) will suffice, minus the carbon. All you're really looking for is water movement and mechanical filtration, and small air pumps are fairly cheap (don't forget the check valve!).

[tylernt]

Trying it myself:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4030

http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4096

I'd say go for it and let us know what happens!

[TKOS]

You can just buy little sponge filter and use them with an air pump. Worked great on my 1 gallon with a betta til he got the upgrade to a fancy 5 gallon. You can find them for 10 bucks with a pump at walmart or else most petstores seem to have them.

[johnstires]

I use a Rio 50 powerhead on my five gallon and just restrict the flow with a valve. They usually come standard with a few different attachments. I have barely any flow in my tank and don't have a filter. What do you plan to do for light?

[plantbrain]

I really like those Azoo filters, they are tiny.
Pump like 20 gph.

I use them on a pair of 4 gals.

I also use those PC 13w(they also sell 7 w) lights that are really nice.

See Drs Foster's and Smith etc.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I bought a little hang-on-back power filter for my 3 gal from petcetra. The thing is super quiet and works well so far.

It's tiny and the perfect size. Might be a bit big for a 1 gallon though- but it has adjustable speeds.

[Gomer]

Those Azoo filters work nicely ....though a little noisy.

I have one on my recently started nano. This tank has is ~ 0.5-0.75g and has the foot print close to a CD case

http://www.dslextreme.com/users/louieg/temp/nano122703.jpg

[Starry]

Originally posted by Gomer
Those Azoo filters work nicely ....though a little noisy.

I have one on my recently started nano. This tank has is ~ 0.5-0.75g and has the foot print close to a CD case

http://www.dslextreme.com/users/louieg/temp/nano122703.jpg

That looks really nice! Can't wait till it fills in!

I'm gonna have to look up this Azoo thing, never heard of it. Sponge filters are too big, poweheads as well, and the smallest HOB I could find is too powerful even for my 10 gal (I think so anyway). That corner filter is way too big, it would take up a quarter of the tank bottom.

Thanks guys