what of pump or filter to used for plant tank???

**joestoys** · 14th Apr 2002, 00:53

currently I am using thatfillter with pump place over the tank kind.... I find the water is splash like a runing tap which then I used some pipe to direct to flow against the glass wall insy=tead of the plant below...... But I still find the current or the flow still too strong.....

Any expert can help?? should I change the pump? [:0]

ps: kelvin- How any plant left for me... LOL[

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**DEA** · 14th Apr 2002, 02:30

u might want to try a rainbar
but it might not fit the diameter of the overhead filter
in which case you can try jury rigging some tubing to make it fit

**rain** · 14th Apr 2002, 02:40

and if ur tank is 3' to 4', u can actually use TWO attaching rain bars. might help to reduce the flow rate somewhat. i know cos im doing that.

**kelstorm** · 14th Apr 2002, 20:05

err.. what plants u talking abt?

**spilopterus** · 14th Apr 2002, 21:33

If the flow is too strong... well, rainbar is one thing, but try to put the rain bar UNDER the water level cause placing above will encourage CO2 loss. I think one rain bar should be enough, another alternative is to buy a valve. The valve is not cheap but you can adjust it to the precise flow you want.

**Simon** · 15th Apr 2002, 11:01

wat valve? just get those some pipes to reduce the disturbance..

**joestoys** · 15th Apr 2002, 18:33

Sorry i am new... only 2 months old to this fish hobby..
Thanks guys for the advise.... so planted tank is ok to use the overhead fillter... cos i heard from another friend that overhead create too much current not so plant friendly??? he suggest those external fillter... kind

kelvin... remember... I was unable to collect and you collect on my behalf.... anything left for me[

] anyway it's ok if nothings left...
so how's you planted tank come along??[:0]

**kelstorm** · 15th Apr 2002, 18:40

kelvin... remember... I was unable to collect and you collect on my behalf.... anything left for me[

] anyway it's ok if nothings left...
so how's you planted tank come along??[:0]
----------------
oh.. i did not collect them leh.. and i ask.. wait.. what was his name... the chap that stays in marine parade side... anyway.. i told him to give u my share of it...[

]

**bclee** · 15th Apr 2002, 21:58

Used to have those overhead filter... gave up on it and switched to a small internal one.

BC

**DEA** · 16th Apr 2002, 02:28

you're talking about those overhead filters that are exposed to the air?
these tend to cause co2 loss
even with that in mind, it'll still do perfectly fine as a biological filter

**joestoys** · 16th Apr 2002, 18:33

Also wanted to how.... for those 4 ft and above of tanks ..... what will be the best fillter to use???

Cos I am doing some research .... to get a 4 ft tank

**Simon** · 16th Apr 2002, 19:43

cannister filter is the way to go for big tanks.. especially in the planted tank hobby... of coz, u need to consider the capacity of the filter.. for 6ft wise to have 2 filters for better circulation and filteration

**sherchoo** · 19th Apr 2002, 23:55

Yes, totally agree with Simon. External canister filter would do best for a 4ft and above. For smaller tanks like 2ft, an internal filter will do fine or at least better than an overhead filter.

As mentioned earlier to fit a rainbar to the O/H filter, well.. it's not advisable. The compartment will flood up and overflow in no time. Invest in an internal filter (e.g Eden 304) which would cost around $17 to $25.

**kelstorm** · 20th Apr 2002, 00:05

me using Eheim 2224 for my 2ft...[

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**CK Yeo** · 20th Apr 2002, 07:57

2224 for 2feet?? that's overkill!

**BFG** · 20th Apr 2002, 13:18

Hey guys, I use 2222 4 my 3ft.....underkill? Hehehe[

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**BFG** · 20th Apr 2002, 13:19

Kel, maybe 1 to 1 exchange can?[

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**vinz** · 20th Apr 2002, 16:22

I've been reading up on filterless planted tanks and am currently experimenting with 2 ehiem 2006 internal filters in a 1m tank (approximately 175 litre water vol). Previously I was using an ehiem 2231 external filter. So far so good, but a bit early to tell.

The theory:
- Heavily planted tank.
- Moderate to low bio-load.
- Plants filters the tank biologically.
- Maintain water circulation using powerhead or filter (the filter is for mechanical filtration only)

Apparently several aquarists noted reduction of algae when the current is lowered.

Have a look at rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants