Optimal filtration for planted tank?

G

ghart999

AC Members
Nov 28, 2006
133
0
0
I am starting a new tank from scratch that will be a low/med light planted tank. About 2 wpg for 55 gallons.

I know that distrurbing the suface of the water is bad because CO2 disapaits. Hence I will do a canister filter. Probably an Eheim Classic. My question is, what about bio filtration? Doesn't a canister filter lack in this department? Such that adding a biowheel is beneficial? If I add a biowheel, aren't I still upsetting the water surface? How do you planted tank aquarists deal with this? What is the optimal solution without adding CO2, which I will not be doing. Thanks all.
 
Most canister filters have bio-balls or other forms of media that allow for building of beneficial bacteria. The bacteria will do a better job if exposed to O2, but you'll have more bacteria on the media. If your not planning to add C02 you could go either route, with or without the wheel. I personally don't run a bio-wheel because I inject C02 via Tank and regulator.

SKEL
 
Canister filters have a chamber for bio filtration with bioballs or other materials with a large surface area.

Bio filtration isn't as important in a planted tank as the plants will act as part of the biofilter, they consume ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates just as the nitrifying bacterias.
 
THe biowheel would gas off CO2. Canister provides plenty of surface area, along with the glass walls, rocks, etc in the tanks. Keep the fish load reasonable and you will be fine
 
OK. Thanks all.

So running just a canister w/out CO2 will be fine. Good to know. Hi ho, hi ho its off the plants I go.
 
:joke:
plantbrain said:
Well growing plants are your best filter.
Work on that mainly.



Regards,
Tom Barr
Click to expand...
agreed.....then I use 2 eheim 2026 canisters
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom