Filtration for planted tank

[iamzrad]

I'm slowly switching my 45gal to a fully planted tank.
Now I have a Fluval 204 (media) and a Magnum 350 (water polishing).

Is it safe that I take the Fluval canister out? Can a planted tank deal without media?
There will be water movement by the Magnum and a powerjet.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

if your tank is lightly stocked you should not need any media for bio. the plants should take care of all of it. it just gives you less control it will also depend how much you feed. why do you want to get rid of the 204? the extra water movement would be nice.

 

[iamzrad]

Well, the tank has some inhabitants now. There is about 20 fish in there now, all under 2". Mostly community fish.
Tetra's, Danio's, Ram's, and Apisto's.

I want to use the already cycled fluval canister on another tank.

 

[Adhlc]

Canisters are the way to go for planted tanks, so you're already there. But as previously mentioned, I'd leave the 204 on there, I'm not a huge fan of the Magnums, other than for water polishing.

 

[WyldFya]

I would not trust a planted tank to a magnum alone, unless it is fully planted and can keep up with your fish load.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

you said you were using the magnum for polishing? are you using the micron cartridge? if you are and you have a high plant load to low fish load and decide to remove the second canister i would switch your magnum over to the normal filter as the micron will clog fast and wont give you the flow or mechanical you need.

 

[iamzrad]

The magnum has carbon, ammonia remover and polishing pads (both fine and coarse).

The magnum does a wonderful job of polishing, but it's troublesome to clean every 2 weeks because it clogs.

 

[duke33]

The less surface agitation the better in a planted tank. (so I've read). That said I'd stick with the canister.

 

[WyldFya]

The less surface agitation the better in a planted tank. (so I've read). That said I'd stick with the canister.

Only if there is co2 being injected.

 

[iamzrad]

Well I have an air sponge hooked up now, I am assuming I have to take it out because it produces bubbles which break the surface?

I'm a newb when it comes to planted tanks and actually keeping them lively and running efficiently.

All I know is I will have plenty of light (at least 150watts), good substrate (eco-complete), and some good plants.
The water parameters is what has me confused a bit.