Filtration for 300g Planted Tank

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berzer

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Feb 24, 2003
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I just came into a 300g (8' x 2' x 30") tank and will do it as a heavily (is there any other kind) planted tank.

I think I have everything else figured out with the tank in regards to lighiting, heating, substrate, manageable plants, etc.

But I am trying to find the best filtration for it without over filtering. Hey, there's plants in there to

I don't know which direction to go. I was thinking either a canister (Eheim or Ocean Clear) or a wet/dry. I have been leaning towards the cannisters.

Has anyone here used the Eheim 2260? What is it like to clean, run, noise, etc.

Has anyone used Ocean Clear 340/354's? What are they like to clean, run, noise, etc.

Thanks for your help...
 
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I'd consider two or three canisters or a single wet dry with over flow etc.

You need roughly 1000gph moving through this tank, the issue is some of the filtering, not much, but more for circulation.

Wet dry will prevent level changes in the tank itself but generally are louder than canister filters.

They also have a place to put everything out of the tank, less stuff in the tank etc and surface skimming.

Ideally plants will remove most of the NH4 but having some filtration bacteria for back up is better than algae should the plants have trouble for any reason and slow down NH4 uptake.


Regards
Tom Barr
 
Tom,

I am beginning to change my mind about the cannisters and think I will invest my money in a wet/dry. Like the idea of keeping things out of the tank like heaters, etc.

What size/type of wet/dry would you recommend?

Can you point me anywhere to look? Probably won't try and build one.
 
From my humble experience:

DON'T use a Tidepool w/d filter.
SeaClear is nice, so is AquaClear.
Make sure you get a large w/d, considering you're plumbing a 300g tank.
A Durso-style standpipe can greatly reduce the water noise.

QUESTION:
Is your tank already plumbed for wet/dry or trickle? If so, you're miles ahead...

(meaning, is there a column built into the tank, with a bulkhead or hole at the bottom of the column?)

I say all this because I'm running a 240g planted with a w/d filter, and enjoying it tremendously.
 
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Timmain42,

No, it is not already plumbed for a wet/dry. This is just a big glass box and nothing else. So I will probably have to buy an overflow box I figure and everything else. Don't really want to have the tank drilled.

I have been eying the CPR filters at marinedepot.com, as they have been recommended to me by a reef keeper that I know. The only thing is that they make one for a 200g and the one after that is rated for a 440g. And of course the cost, but I want to do this right. I have time still as I need to still build a stand for it and some bookcases too.

By the way, how do you inject your CO2 (if you use it)?
 
I have heard (reefaquariumguide.com) that some people have had problems with the CPR overflows (siphon breaking). A lot of people recommend the Lifeflow overflows. Just giving you another option to check out.
 
Just my opinion...

I like a "closed system" when it comes to "planted" tanks. I would use canisters, and only canisters. For a tank that size, 3 Rena xP-3's would be nice.

Other filters (not the canister types) cause too much water turbulence, or even have a 'water-fall effect' which gases off the CO2 your plants need.
 
Originally posted by berzer
By the way, how do you inject your CO2 (if you use it)?
Click to expand...

CO2_Setup1.JPG


Pressurized is the only way to go on a tank that big.
 
Sorry, I didn't mean if, if I meant where do you feed the CO2.

Into a CO2 reactor, before or after the wet/dry?

I am new to wet/dry, usually used HOB, but that won't work well here.

Nice tank by the way...
 
Most folks add the CO2 reactor right next to the return pump's suction side.

This is the best placement for distributing the CO2 evenly throughout the tank, the surface skimming will remove the CO2 poor water. Minimizing splash in the prefilter is a key to reducing CO2 loss.

I made my own wet/dry, they are very easy to make out a large Tupper ware or tub of any sort that holds water.

That's your sump.

I use a tall 20 gal Trash can, fill with bioballs, 1" lava , what ever, have a slightly smaller tupper ware container slip right inside of this trash can and drill holds for the drip plate and drill holes on the bottom of the trash can for the water outflow.

You'll need a good sized sump, the more the better without taking up too much room under the stand.

Look around for DIY, get a good prefilter or seriously consider the internal prefilter and drilling the tank.

As I said prior, You can use a couple of canisters and add a powerhead or two for added circulation(one to drive the CO2 reactor.

Either method will work and can can easily hide equipment also.
It will be easier to get the tank quieter which might be more important.


Regards,
Tom Barr
 
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