Cannister Filter Questions

[marl_nyc]

Hello all! Was just pondering on getting another cannister filter for my 55 gal heavily planted tank before I transfer my 5 juvenile discus into the planted tank. I currently have an eheim 2236 ecco which is rated for 80 gals. What do you think should I get another 2236 or the eheim classic 2217 which is rated for 159 gal and does 263 gal per hour? Here are the links of the cannisters:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...3684-def-USD-17289##3##b&queryType=0&offset=0

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3603&pcatid=3603

 

[marl_nyc]

anyone?

 

[YoFishboy]

If it were me, I'd keep your existing canister filter, and add this....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3654&pcatid=3654

The Fluidized bed filter will give you excellent biological filtration. With discus, you should go heavy on the biological filtration, moderate on the mechanical (you don't want too strong a current, and clean the media very often. Let the Fluidized bed filter take care of the biological filtration), and keep up on frequent water changes. From what I understand in conversations with european hobbyists, this is what the german discus keepers do.

 

[ITHURTZ]

Get the 2217, it will filter your tank better but wont over power it with current.

 

[marl_nyc]

If it were me, I'd keep your existing canister filter, and add this....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+3654&pcatid=3654

The Fluidized bed filter will give you excellent biological filtration. With discus, you should go heavy on the biological filtration, moderate on the mechanical (you don't want too strong a current, and clean the media very often. Let the Fluidized bed filter take care of the biological filtration), and keep up on frequent water changes. From what I understand in conversations with european hobbyists, this is what the german discus keepers do.

Thank you for the advice. Now I'm looking at the thing (fluidized bed filter) and I dont get how it works.... Is it like a cannister filter that needs media and it says you need a separate pump to make it work... is it external or does it go underneath the gravel? Sorry this gadgets confusing the heck out of me... Can you or someone else please explain to me how it works...that would be greatly appreciated. thanks again..

 

[jm1212]

if you are in the eheim's price range, consider getting a C-360. you'll get 360 gph and a load of media for the price of a weaker, smaller filter.

 

[YoFishboy]

They are external filters that just need a water pump attached to them. Very simple yet effective.

Here are a few sites that further explain how fluidized bed filters work....

http://www.bioconlabs.com/abtqs.html

http://www.firsttankguide.net/fluidized.php

http://www.aquatichouse.com/FILTRATION%20MENU_files/Rainbow.asp

They are also good for planted tanks, in that they are less disruptive to CO2 levels in the water.

 

[marl_nyc]

Thanks a lot for the links Yo Fish boy! Now I understand what it does. I will be considering gettin this one soon. And best of all its cheaper than a cannister filter!

 

[ITHURTZ]

holy carp that IS interesting. I never looked at Fluidized Bed Filter until now. VERY interesting thanks for the links.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

only bad thing about them if the water stops the bacteria dies very quickly. they are by far under rated. might also want to look into a wet dry filter. with canisters there is always ways to diffuse the water.