filter for planted tank

[checkerboard]

Hi people,

can i ask, what is a recommended internal filter for a 1.5 or 2 feet planted tank? where and how much can i get them for?

intending to start a small one!

[Goondoo]

I think there is simply too many models... maybe you would like to try shops like NA or C328. You can make both query and purchase there.

[checkerboard]

want something that is durable and outflow not too strong to disturb and affect plant growth. if you were to choose one, which model would you pick?

[sherchoo]

1. internal or external or hang on?
2. budget?
3. fishload?

too many considerations... care to help us to help you.

[checkerboard]

internal, budget ard $25-$30 lar, fishy load, dun foresee myself keeping more than say 20 tetras in it... thanks for the help!

[robin]

I am using the internal juwell filter.
Works fine for me and easy cleaning coz no need to remove filter to clean.
Also very quiet.

setback is cannot attach any reactor.
I overcome that by connecting a ehiem hose to the internal pump output and a ehiem reactor at the other end. Works wonders.

Another setback i did not overcome is inability to attach a surface skimmer. Just no way to do that.

Just my 2 cents worth

Regards
Robin

[CK Yeo]

This is like asking people "what car should I buy?quot;

Budget wise, shouldn't be too much of a problem. Most small filter/powerheads are around that price or less.

Model-wise is really your call. There are many many many models out there. Eheim is good, reliable but tend to be more expensive.[]. There are tonnes of China/ Taiwan brands in the market now also. Personnal preference.

For a small tank, the only features I will look at is

1) What is the flowrate. This is usually stated on the side of the box. anything more than 100g/h is overkill for small tank, IMO.
2) Is the flowrate adjustable. Of course can adjust is better, in casetyphoon in your tank.
3) Size. You dun want the filter to take up half the tank.

Have fun shopping.

ck

[budak]

i am using the Eheim liberty (smallest model) for my 2 ft planted. With the water filled to about 1.5 cm from the brim, surface agitation is minimal..... CO2 loss seems to be not a problem, with plants bubbling by mid-day. IT fits yur budget. Easy to clean too.

[lorba]

i am using 'don't-know-what-brand' internal filter (200l/hr) for both my 1.5fts. Just go to the LFS and ask for the smallest and cheapest but least noise type. I got one for $9 and the other $14.

IMO, for such a small tank, the filter will not be able to fulfill useful biological purposes. Main thing is to circulate the water. I think maintaining a 'dirty' gravel would be more useful in this sense. I change 30% water every 4days. I've never wash it til now, 3mths.

As for flowrate, i think after running in for 1 mth or less, it will not be at its stated rate, probably a bit clogged up. Anyway, becomes more ideal for planted.

[joe]

I recommend Eden 304. Small and efficient for its size. Looks good too.