bio-wheel or power filter

[almostaskater62]

which is better for a planted tank with some rasboras, a german blue ram, oto's, possibly some others.
this will be in the 20 gallon tank i'm setting up.

edit: i just did a bit of research, is a bio-wheel good for co2 injection (for the live plants)? it seems like it would get rid of the co2 fast

thanks

 

[rich311k]

The otts and rams would be fine. How many rasboras do you have?

Yes a bio wheel and CO2 injection do not work well together.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Your filter won't have any "CO2 injection" benefits. Unless you are going heavily planted you shouldn't need CO2 injection. If you want to keep it relatively simple, stick with lower light requirement plants and get decent lighting. Your stock looks good! As far as which is better, that seems to be a matter of opinion. Just remember that the filter ratings are the bare minimum. i.e. for a 20G, I'd go with something rated for at least 50. The only real limit for filters seem to be the current they produce in respect to the fish needs. I have a 20 with an AC50 HOB and am fine with it, all my other tanks have 2 filters each. Have you read about cycling?

 

[almostaskater62]

yeah i'm gonna leave it for at least a week. there will be plants in it to speed up the cycling process. i just bought a 50W incandescent hood and 2 25W cf bulbs, so thats my lighting. this is'nt the first tank i've had, i have co2 running ina 10, so i'm gonna have co2 in this one too.
anyway thanks a lot, i'm gona go with a 30 gallon power filter i think.


thanks

 

[jm1212]

a bio wheel or other HOB filter will aerate the water and drive out the CO2. a canister filter like the HOT Mag or Marineland C-160 are better choices for a planted tank. with a 20 gallon, you shouldnt need CO2 injection if you use a canister

 

[Corvina]

Sounds Good

 

[AnDr3w]

A canister filter would be best. I dont know about NO co2 injection, but a DIY co2 wouldnt hurt.