View Full Version : filtration question
galaga-girl
11-10-2004, 5:34 PM
Hiya
I've got a tank that does not have a "flat" bottom, on my other tank I've been using an Undergravel filter which has been working great for me. But with this tank I can't use one because it is quite small and also like I said does not have a flat bottom to put the tray on.
What sort of filters are available for a relatively small tank that I wan't to put a few tropical fish in? By small I am talking about around 10 Litres. It would have to be quiet also.
Thanks for any replies :)
StreetCypher
11-10-2004, 5:37 PM
there are a few HOB filters you can buy.
An aquaclear mini?
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=996
OrionGirl
11-10-2004, 5:40 PM
Not many tropical fish will do well in that small a tank, even with a filter. The mini identified above will work, but you'll need to care for the tank very carefully--plan on it being more work than a larger tank. Choose tank mates very carefully!
galaga-girl
11-10-2004, 5:41 PM
the tank that I have has a lid that opens up from hinges, are there any underwater ones? that can just be placed inside the tank?
Thanks and sorry for being dumb
OrionGirl
11-10-2004, 5:46 PM
Not a dumb question at all! Shows good consideration for your fish. ;)
There are several internal options. Hmmm...Something along these lines: http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22429;category_id=1717;pcid 1=2885;pcid2= will work. Maintenance is kind of a pain, because you have to remove the whole thing to clean the filter media. I prefer this style: http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=30191&category_id=1717&pcid1=2885 as long as you won't have sand (it gets sucked up into the filter easily). Nicer, because you have more media options--a sponge cut to fit is great.
If I'm thinking correctly 10L is about 2.5 US gallons. I could be drastically off, but I think I'm right. I'm in the process of setting up a 10g aquarium atm and dismissed the idea of internal filters because of how much space they take up. An option I can think of would be to use a small internal water pump or power head and attach a DIY sponge filter to it.
galaga-girl
11-10-2004, 7:44 PM
Thanks guys! I think i'll go for the internal one, from the looks of it there would be enough room for it and the fish and some ornaments that I have with a few plants. The tank seems to be big enough, my sister has some tropicals in a similar sized tank. I'll ask the advice of the attendants at the pet store before buying all the stuff also.
Thanks again :)
xytrix01
11-10-2004, 10:20 PM
be wary of who you ask at the petstore.... take anything they say and compare it to what you already know (like from reading here) if it dosn't match, walk away from the deal and come ask us... It'll save you a lot of headache in the end! some petstores know their stuff, but their are many many threads on here labeled "Petco told me this, now my fish are dead! what happened?" so just be carefull and you will get much more enjoyment out of the hobby!
galaga-girl
11-11-2004, 4:11 PM
This is true! I asked about compatibility once at this one pet store and they told me that these two types of fish were fine together! They weren't! One picked on the other one so much I had to give him away. I was annoyed becuase they weren't cheap and if he didn't know he should have just told me that.
NotCalebSherida
11-11-2004, 10:43 PM
my fish store tells me anything that will get me to buy fish or other products.. which is fine because it's their just, but be wary.
i use a sponge filter, it cost me $5 and works fine.. for a 2.5g you may need to cut it down, but it will work fine... you just hook them up to an air pump and let them go... so all that goes into your tank is an air line