Filters And Plants

[RRasco]

hey guys, i am about to setup plants in my 55 gallon, i am running the penguin 300, i think...the one for 75 gallon tanks...anyway, do i need to change to a different type of filter or are the standard Rite size a filters good for the job?

 

[Liam]

A filter that is the right size for the tank will be fine with the plants. So long as they don't get blown around and the water surface is not too disturbed any filter should be fine.

 

[EliteFishy]

The penguin filters will create too much surface movement which will lower the CO2 level. I sugest you to get a canister filter. They will cost more but they give better filtration and creates no surface agitation if you aim the output nozzle away from the surface. Remeber to take out the carbon filter if you dosing fertilizers because the carbon will remove the macro nutrients. If you going low tech which means no CO2 injection and low light than you wont need to worry about your filter that much.

 

[RRasco]

i currently only have 2-15W sunglo fluorescents, but am going to probably build a custom hood to house higher wattage bulbs, probably about 3W/Gallon. and since i am using sand in the tank, i will be using ferts as well. so the canister filters dont use carbon filtration? i also have a hagans co2 thing so i will be using some co2...are these good at all...or just a cheap attempt? what cannister would you guys recommend...
Eheimor Fluval?

i saw the fluval at the store for $69.99, so they are the same price.

 

[EliteFishy]

I believe that some canister filters come with a carbon pad. Just remove that and you will be fine. My eheim came with a carbon pad.
As for you right now, I wouldnt suggest using fertilizers and CO2 because your lighting is very low. Start CO2 and fertilizers when you can get your new hood whith lights.
IMO, eheims are better than fluvals. That fluval from petmart wont even come close to provide the filtration you need. I would get the eheim 2215. You might be able to get it at a cheaper price off ebay or aquabid.
One hagan CO2 wont be enough for a 55 gallon. You can buy at least two more hagans, make DIY CO2( a lot cheaper), or you can go presurized CO2 with costs about $150. Presurized is a lot more expensive but it is a lot less maintenance than DIY CO2 or hagan. For hagan and DIY co2 you will have to change the co2 mixture every to maintain a good CO2 level in your tank.

 

[RRasco]

yeah, im not doing anything until i get new lighting, which i am unsure of when or how i am going to...but it will happen. do you know of any instructions for DIY co2? i have not looked here yet which is what i am about to do.

 

[EliteFishy]

here is a good website http/www.fishforever.co.uk/carbondioxide.html
If you need more help, just search "DIY CO2" on google.

 

[RRasco]

great article...thx. i figured it would be that, since the hagans one is just simply the same thing manufactured. but now i have instructions to follow. thanks again.

 

[EliteFishy]

No problem.