filter for planted tank question.

[anthonyl]

Hi, Im new here on the forum. Im planning on a planted tank (just plants only, no fish), and wondering what is the least expensive way to filter the tank? UG or HOB? or does it even need any filter? By the way, this site is a great place for resources.

 

[WeeNe858]

an undergravel would really target the growing of a bacterial colony.. one that you dont need.. while the HOB would help you physically remove particals and circulate the water... i recommend the HOB

 

[ergo sum]

You might want to think about an internal filter. A simple powerhead and a sponge or something like that. If you are going to do co2 you could feed it through that type of filter.

 

[cichlidkeeper91]

What size tank is it? You might want to do HOB. Get a protein skimmer also that connects to the tube on the filter.

 

[anthonyl]

Thanks for quick reply guys/gals. The tank is 36" 12" 18". When you mention simple power head, does that just mean put on a power head only? Internal filter sound interesting. I would love to have a DIY co2 system, but Im a noob.

 

[ergo sum]

You take something like this:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18554/si1382178/cl0/marinelandpowerhead660r
You attach a line from a co2 container instead of an air pump.
Essentially that is all you really need.
Or if you want you can build a reaction chamber and use the powerhead to pump water through it.
Either way I would use a sponge of some kind to filter the water.

You could use this also.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19167/si1380167/cl0/eheimaquaball2208

 

[Aussie_hippie_2]

I'm confused, why would you even need a filter if there is only plant life? Just to spread the nutrients?

 

[WeeNe858]

collect the dead matter and move the water... i dont like in tank filters beacause they take away from te tank space.. if you decides to do the powere head.. you need the sponge or pre filter adapter to it.. that way your pump wont get cloged

 

[loaches r cool]

I would recommend the powersweep filters by zoo med. They feature rotating output to aid in circulation and come with pre-filters. I have used one with co2 injection as well and it sprays a nice fine mist sweeping from side to side, and thierreasonably priced. http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU.../powerheadszoomedpowersweep?viewType=Category

I have the 228 on my 75g and the 212 on my 10g.

I dont think on a plant only tank you need much filtration, just a bit of circulation. Most any dead plant matter can easily be sucked up with a gravel vac or larger peices removed with tongs (most of this isnt going to be sucked into a filter anyhow).

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i think a hob would be good if your not going to going to be adding co2. i think all you need is something to polish the water and keep it clean. you can get a canister fill it with floss and sponges.