best filter for planted tank

so would a regular power filter be a real no-no for a planted tank? I am planning a 10 gallon planted tank for this summer and was originally going to just get one of the "hang over the edge of the tank" variety, but I understand that the water falling into the tank would make me lose CO2 faster. would the loss be significant enough where that would be a bad idea? That would be the only surface agitation I'd planned on, but I was wondering if it was still too much.
 
if you fill the tank high enough the water does not fall bu rather flows into the tank. there are methods to reducing the flow of water back into the tank but dont restrict it so much that the water backs up back into the filter. a porous sponge(specificly used for filters) can be cut to size for water to flow through. ive used that and other methods for small and betta tanks. ithink for a 10 gal the over tank are great. undergravel not unless you have potted plants and sponge filters produce alot of bubbles
 
i use an AC 300 (old model number i know) on a 75 gallon planted tank. I cut the sponge and place it on the siphon tube. I also place a mechanical filtration pad inside, on top of, the bio-media i use (yes, there is a discussion there about denitifying bacteria and how it grows).

I also have a 350 gph powerhead pumping water through a reactor chamber (wish i had read Tom Barrs method a year ago--lol). The water circulation is good. The surface agitation is virtually non existant. I like the combination of methods. And, i love AC filters.
 
Sully said:
(wish i had read Tom Barrs method a year ago--lol). The water circulation is good. The surface agitation is virtually non existant. I like the combination of methods. And, i love AC filters.
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If you would have read Tom's method, what would you have done differently?
 
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