i have a 120g (4x2x2) and i would like to have it be a planted tank. would it be better or make a difference to go with a HOB filter (2x penguin 350's) or a canister filter (1x eheim 2026)?
HOB or canister?
- Thread starter Bobtastic6
- Start date
Bob, I would strongly suggest a canister filter - Eheim is def the way to go.
If you want to do a high tech planted tank you want to limit surface agitation this is gas out your CO2. Assuming that your using Co2 in your Planted tank.
Also with a Ehiem depending what model, you can also line in your co2 and it will diffuse your co2 and also add an inline heating system. This in my opinion makes your tank better looking by cutting down the amount of tech seen in the tank. It also opens up spaces to add plants.
Hope this helps!
If you want to do a high tech planted tank you want to limit surface agitation this is gas out your CO2. Assuming that your using Co2 in your Planted tank.
Also with a Ehiem depending what model, you can also line in your co2 and it will diffuse your co2 and also add an inline heating system. This in my opinion makes your tank better looking by cutting down the amount of tech seen in the tank. It also opens up spaces to add plants.
Hope this helps!
Morphineh;4487065; said:
i wasnt planning on running co2 and i thought about adding a power head, i'm going to keep piranha in this tank. thoughts on the power head?
Go with a Koralia powerhead. You won't want to run the aeration on a p-head anyway, or else your plants will not get enough CO2
if your not running co2, canister filter's aren't that great in my opinion. Adding a canister filter greatly enhanced my co2 diffusion in my tank, but in terms of filtration itself I'm not impressed. However if you do plan on upgrading to a high tech planted tank you will most definatly want a canister filter
personally, I think cannister filters beat HOBs on any large tank . . . I only use HOBs on my smaller tanks . . .
but as noted, a cannister filter makes it easier to avoid the surface agitation (and noise) that may occur with an HOB filter . . .
but as noted, a cannister filter makes it easier to avoid the surface agitation (and noise) that may occur with an HOB filter . . .
I'm not a big fan of the canisters I have had, fluvals. Sold them off to get ACs, not a fan of them. Sold those off to get marineland filters (penguins and emperors). big fan of those, but they only hold so much bio media. (love the wheels)
I would look into a sump if you have the money to do so.
I would look into a sump if you have the money to do so.
Aeration is good in a low-tech planted tank, as the atmosphere is your major CO2 source in this type of tank. Any type of filter can provide aeration if the outflow is at or above the water surface, so which type you choose will depend on your personal preference and budget.
I would want more than twin 350's or a single 2026 on a tank that size unless the stock is very light. I agree with komodo that a sump would be a good idea. You can make a very nice sump for about what your filter suggestions would cost that would do a much better job of keeping the tank clean.
I would want more than twin 350's or a single 2026 on a tank that size unless the stock is very light. I agree with komodo that a sump would be a good idea. You can make a very nice sump for about what your filter suggestions would cost that would do a much better job of keeping the tank clean.
just got a great deal on a neww fluval fx-5, too good of a deal to pass up. will this be a good fit for me or overkill?
I have the same footprint for mine - Fx5 and a Hot Mag for polishing plus a koralia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McDGg595_Fo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McDGg595_Fo