Replacing my HOB filter?

Alpha7Bravo

Alpha7Bravo

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Oct 3, 2006
37
0
0
Denver, CO
I have a 20 gallon tank and I would like to replace the Whisper 20 filter that came with it. I was thinking about getting an AC50(previously 200). Would that be a good choice? Also, I do not have enough room to run both filters at once. I can take the foam and a small piece of the "biobag" out of the old filter and fit it in the AC50. Would this be enough media to not experience any mini-cycles?

My tank has been running for about 5 months and my readings are:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 10

Thanks in advance.
 
HOB filters are not the best for a planted tank but I have used them with sucess in a planted tank. The ac 50 will be fine I would put some floss around the intake to slow the flow a little..other than that you are good to go..just keep an eye on your water params.
 
Why not the whole biobag?
What sort of filter Do you find best for a planted tank, akapaul?
IME Many aquaria with live plants use HOB.
 
The whole biobag wouldn't fit in an AC50 with the other 3 medias that come with the AC. The biobags are sort of rigid and since mine is about 5 months old I'm afraid that I would tear it and make a heck of a mess trying to jam it in there. :eek:
 
oh ok, i thought it might be something like that. In that case you might have some "minicycle" since the amount of bacteria necessary to handle the bioload is spread throughout all the available media, and you'd be losing some.
The more you transfer from the old tank to the new,Not water, but substrate, plants etc the more "mini" you'll be dealing with. I would watch the parameters, as akapaul said, but expect very shortlived and minor ammonia/nitrite readings.
As far as the AC50 being a god hcoice, I couldnt tell you.
There is a lot of discussion about such things on the freshwater products/diy forum, you could search.
 
An AC 50 should be more than enough to handle your aquariums needs. Keep in mind you don't have to use the carbon insert and not having it would give you more room for a transfer of media.
 
zazz said:
Why not the whole biobag?
What sort of filter Do you find best for a planted tank, akapaul?
IME Many aquaria with live plants use HOB.
Click to expand...

cannister filters, b/c they are injecting co2. HOB filters cause a reaction at the water surface that causes co2 to gas out. If you are not injecting co2 or using high lights then an HOB filter may not be a problem.
 
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