best aquascaping filters (and heaters!)

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
convict360

convict360

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Dec 9, 2013
4,499
1,875
179
Scotland
Can anyone recommend a filter they think would be suitable for an aquascaping set-up, being low visibility; and perhaps low noise?

Right now I'm operating a Fluval U2 internal, but it looks unsightly; and takes up quite a bit of space inside.

I'm not a big fan of canister filters, but I suspect that I may be able to get away with a smaller model; given the tank size of 15 gallons, with inhabitants being 15-20 white cloud mountain minnows and some red cherry shrimp soon.

Same question for heaters, perhaps theres a model out there that features both?
 
  • Like
Reactions: HumanBean
HumanBean said:
Thanks for bringing this up. I will be setting up a shrimp setup and need this info as well. Lots of green with red bit in it of shrimp :)
Click to expand...

Cool! :)

Yeah, I don't mind my equipment just now; but its really an eyesore in the tank, so I want to minimise it. Can't even use a HOB, as my lightbar covers the edge of the tank it would sit on, and there are glass braces on the other edges...
 
H HumanBean

I guess another option could be two sponges at either end of the tank, with a powerhead driving flow in between...
 
^ if you are after that 100% clean look, then you'll probably want to use a small canister hooked up to glass intakes and returns...

Otherwise, any chance of running an overhead system?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Skalper666 and convict360
Fat Homer said:
^ if you are after that 100% clean look, then you'll probably want to use a small canister hooked up to glass intakes and returns...

Otherwise, any chance of running an overhead system?
Click to expand...

I've thought about an overhead system, but given the small width of the tank (and annoying braces); I don't believe I'd have the room or the DIY know how.

Right now the most likely candidate is the Fluval 106, even though i hated the 206 and 406; i may be able to stomach that one due to the smaller size. Either that or I just seriously consider running a medium sponge in one corner, which I can attempt to hide through plants, with a powerhead on the other side...the more I consider it, the more I think it would probably work; at any rate, the minnows and red cherries aren't going to be too heavy, though with numbers between 15-20 i'm unsure...
 
How about just an old fashion undergravel system. It's not hard to maintain an UG in a small tank with small fish, just do regular WC and substrate vacuuming.
 
  • Like
Reactions: convict360
viejafish said:
How about just an old fashion undergravel system. It's not hard to maintain an UG in a small tank with small fish, just do regular WC and substrate vacuuming.
Click to expand...

Nah really not keen, I just laid down some clay and sphagnum moss underneath the sand too; so I don't want to go there lol; good suggestion though
 
As you said, the stock wont be heavy so you probably could get away with the sponge filter method on that tank...
 
  • Like
Reactions: convict360
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom