Pump Size

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For a 4x2x2 tank with IOS, which Eheim pump should I use if the tank is used for planted aquarium?

The model 1046 is capable of 300l/h while the 1048 is capable of 600l/h. The 4x2x2 tank volume is about 453l. What is the estimated cost of these 2 pumps?

Thanks

[tawauboy]

a general guide for sizing a filter/pump will be 2 –3 time your tank volume. so you are looking at 900 – 1350 l/hr. a lfs would be able to advise you the price of the pump/filter.

an ios may cause loss of co2 due splashing so you may want to take this into account.

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In that case, I would need to purchase the model 1250 which is capable of an output of 1200 l/hr. I thought for planted tank, we need not have too powerful a pump? Anyone who owns a Eheim 1250 can share how much he paid for it?

Compared to an EOS, IOS is still a good choice with mechanical, biological and chemical filtration minus the hoses which potentially can cause spillage and flooded floor. The downside is that you need to sacrifice a 0.5ftx2ft x2ft of space for the IOS. Also, the heat dissipated could potential raise the temperature of the water; a no-no for planted tank. Anyone using IOS for a planted tank?

[tawauboy]

you need to flowrate to move the water around the tank. plants cannot move to get nutrients but you can move nutrients to plants.

you can use external canister filters.
and ios may cause some co2 loss due to water turbulence so they are not use normally.
and you can always use fans to reduce the tank temperature.