I am starting a mid to heavily planted freshwater aquarium and was wondering what the best filter to use would be for a 30 gal tank. I have read that plants can not thrive with undergravel filters and that they disturb the flow. I don't know much about internal or external filters but that seem the way i am going to have to go. What would be the best, most realiable, and most efficent filtering system for my needs (product/company name would be helpful).
What kind of filter?
- Thread starter Rsquared333
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Since you are saying planted tank and it is at least 30 gallons then I would suggest looking into canister filters. They will be very important later if you ever decide to add CO2 to your setup. But even if you don't they are very efficient.
Fluval, Eheim, Filstar are the more common ones. Fluval is the cheapest and seems to work well for many people. The other cost more but are worth the money if you can afford them.
Look for a canister that is rated for at least 5-6 times the flow rate of the tank size (so for a 30 gallon tank a flow rate of 150 gph is minimum). Don't look at the actual rating on the front of the box as it can be a little low (so don't necessarily get one rated for a 30 gallon tank, really look at the back).
Fluval, Eheim, Filstar are the more common ones. Fluval is the cheapest and seems to work well for many people. The other cost more but are worth the money if you can afford them.
Look for a canister that is rated for at least 5-6 times the flow rate of the tank size (so for a 30 gallon tank a flow rate of 150 gph is minimum). Don't look at the actual rating on the front of the box as it can be a little low (so don't necessarily get one rated for a 30 gallon tank, really look at the back).
thanks. The CO2 compatable definetly helps. I've had trouble finding good info on this because i don't have any good LFS in my area. Again thank you.
They are best with CO2 as they create very little surface agitation and the hang on back filters do, which tends to drive off the CO2 that is added.
thank you very much. That seems to fit my needs. If you or anyone else has an alternative I would appreciate the comment. Price isn't much of a concern.
None. The plants will provide oxygen. As long as there is no ammonia or nitrite present the oxygen isn't a concern.
Thanks because i was reading up on the canister filters and they said they needed aeration. So that was making me think of getting a power filter to take care of both at once. But if the plants will take care of it that works even better. Cause i really liked the canister filters. I have heard nothing but good things about them.
Power Filters are a great choice as well. That is what I use on my tanks. I like the Aqua Clear line though I hear the Emporers are great as well. They are easy to clean and do a good job at biological filtration, but not much mechanical (the canisters do mechanical much better). If you add CO2 at some point then you just have to minimize the surface agitation somehow.