Need Filter/Powerhead advice

naturegrl

naturegrl

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Sep 29, 2008
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I have a Magnum HOT 250 (not using biowheel) on my moderately planted tank. This is my sole filtration/circulation.

Now that I have the tank fully stocked and getting close to "heavily" planted, it seems that this filter isn't going to be adequate. I'm afraid I'm not getting enough circulation.

I'm considering a couple of options but need advice. I just looked at a powerhead that seems like it would take care of circulation issues. what do you think of this in addition to my current filter?

Or, should I just replace the magnum with a better filter? I've looked at filter reviews and such but I still don't know what would be the best for my planted tank. like an all around easy to maintain, not too costly, dependable, yada yada...

I have a couple of annoyances with my magnum....It is a pain to take apart and put together and clean. But my biggest complaint is that it intermitently blows tons of tiny bubbles. It is getting to be a pita to be taking it apart to try to figure out where it is sucking air, making sure it is full to the top, and then putting it back on and hoping the bubbles will stop. I've changed out all of the rings and gaskets and it still does this from time to time. The major problem I have with the bubbles, is that I'm worried it is off-gassing too much of my co2, causing a rollercoaster. Having said that, I'm not neccessarily ready to get rid of it but I could probably be easily persuaded.

BTW, I have just ordered a drop checker and a pressurized co2 set-up so that will be easier to control soon.

Advise me please, O Wise Ones!
 
naturegrl said:
I'm afraid I'm not getting enough circulation.
Click to expand...


I am new, and dont know alot, so take everything say with massive amounts of salt... But I have been doing plenty of research on these forums, and I thought that with heavily plant tanks, which probably necessitate CO2, then you would want to avoid excess aggitation from the filter, so as to not immediately lose the CO2 to the atmosphere. Your current setup, which is presumably gentler in terms of flow, would probably actually be a benefit. Am I just making this up, or did I read that some where here?
 
Good point, geekpryde, but I think it's surface agitation that we try to keep to a minimum. The powerhead can be placed anywhere in the tank for just the right movement.

I could be wrong though. This thread will hopefully start some good discussion on the subject....
 
It is surface agitation that causes the problem. Water movement is fine. Is the filter keeping the tank clean? If it is the a powerhead seems like a good idea. If it is not preforming as well as you like than a new filter could well be the answer.
 
A powerhead is a good and cheap way to add more flow. If your filter is keeping your water particle free then a powerhead is all you'll need.

If you're planning to replace the filter anyway then I recommend an Ehiem, like the Ecco or classic models.

geekpryde said:
I am new, and dont know alot, so take everything say with massive amounts of salt... But I have been doing plenty of research on these forums, and I thought that with heavily plant tanks, which probably necessitate CO2, then you would want to avoid excess aggitation from the filter, so as to not immediately lose the CO2 to the atmosphere. Your current setup, which is presumably gentler in terms of flow, would probably actually be a benefit. Am I just making this up, or did I read that some where here?
Click to expand...

A heavily planted tank doesn't necessarily need CO2, though it would help. A high light tank will require CO2.

When injecting CO2, high surface agitation will lead to excessive gas off. However, some surface movement and current is still desired so O2 is re-absorbed into the tank. Having no surface agitation at all is going to be bad for your fishes.

Good flow is good for planted tanks. It helps distribute nutrients and CO2 throughout the tank and also prevents pockets of excess nutrients from accumulating and leading to algae problems. Plus most fishes love higher flow.
 
Good flow is good for planted tanks. It helps distribute nutrients and CO2 throughout the tank and also prevents pockets of excess nutrients from accumulating and leading to algae problems. Plus most fishes love higher flow.

This has been one of the things that has me questioning my filter or at least the circulation. I am having brown algae but only in one area of the tank.

The magnum does keep the water pretty clear. I did notice it seemed a little cloudy right before my last weekly 50% water change. I guess I can't go more than a week without taking it apart and changing out the media/ squeezing out the sleeve. Especially now that I am fully stocked. I tried to stretch the filter cleaning to two weeks because it is kind of a hassle. Back to weekly now.
 
if you need to clean a canister weekly you need a new filter. I do mine mostky to change the floss it does not get all that dirty. i would consider a good cannister for your tank. I love my eheims and my renas.
 
Yes, if you're cleaning your filter out every week then either get a new filter or a pre-filter for your intake, which is what I do. Usually don't clean out my filter for several months.
 
Thanks guys, for the help so far.

I guess I need to start collecting the comments on why you like certain filters over others. Lots of choices. I get overwhelmed and not sure what would be best for my specific tank--55 planted.

I would love to not have to monkey around with all the pieces and parts every week.
 
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