plant filter

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

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 20, 2008
15
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Middlesota
has anyone made or is anyone running a filter like this one seen here?

http://members.tripod.com/~Tropic_Cove/aquariums/plantfilter.html

i think something similar could(maybe) be made for cheap in an overhead style like some of the ones i've seen lurking around here, but i would like to know if they work well first so i'm looking for anybody with experience with these guys.

i would guess the answer is strongly dependant on tank size and stocking... but maybe someone can give me a vague idea.
 
hello... lots of threads on this and hydroponic filters.... use the search feature at top of page or to the right and you will see them..... Welcome to MFK
 
They are effective, but this is more dependent on how good your lighting is, and your choice of plants.
 
Yes to all the above, light, tank size, bio-load, type of plants, planting area, flow rate are all important factors, but everything else can be balanced off of the bio-load.

Tell us what you have and the space and budget available.

Dr Joe

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i don't have a real set up at the moment, i wanted to have a decent game plan before i dive in.

i was looking to get a tank in the area of 55 gallons to house a pair (or one if it gets cramped) of sun fish for a while. I'd start with little guys so they could hang out till they grow and need a bigger tank, which will give my wallet a little time to grow too.

My idea for the filter was to make a overhead type one that would sit in the window sill. i figured it would be easy enough to just have to pump the water up and let gravity do the rest, but if this wont work i'm willing to try something different, but i was really hoping that the window could supply the light so i didn't have to run an additional light so i didin't have to pay out the... well you know... for the electricity

any help is appreaciated, thanks again
 
I think the only problem you'll find with this method, is to grow enough plants to do anything to the water you must have quite a large window ledge.
 
i was afraid that would be the case... how big of a window are we looking at here... like buick size or broad-side-of-barn size?
 
For optimum nutrient export, choose plants that will grow both immersed and emersed, especially sagittaria, ludwigia, and even some of the larger pickerel (plants) in a half-filled tank, you can trim the emersed sections once a week!

For a full hydro-sump, I can't speak highly enough of the nutrient-absorbing powers of Java Moss. This stuff is like freshwater cheatomorpha.
 
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