Running 1 x Eheim Pro II 2028 in a 4x2x2 planted tank

[Earth]

I am currently running 1 Eheim Pro II 2028 in a 4x2x2 planted tank. Visually, outflow from the filter looks fine.

I have seen many bros here running 2 canister filters in their 4 ft tank set up. I am wondering if my filtration is inadequate and should I get another filter for my set up? Any bro here is running just a single Eheim 2028 for their 4 ft?


Note: I have UV light, CO2 reactor and chiller connected to the filter.

[doubleace]

Hi bro,

if you connecting the canister to a uv light, co2 and a chiller then it will reduce the flowrate of your canister hence it will not be enough for your tank. You may or may not get another canister but it will be a spare or even improve the flow in your tank.

For 2 canisters, you can just wash 1 of the canister and leave the other running during WC.

This is just my opinion you may not follow my method.

[illumnae]

I have 2 4x2x2 tanks that I set up over the last 2 years. In the first tank, I tried a single 2028 with only a CO2 reactor connected and found the flow woefully inadequate. I have since upgraded that tank to a Fluval FX5 which is just right. In my second tank, I started off with 2 pieces of 2028, which are still running now. In terms of bio filtration, I find that it's more than sufficient. However, in terms of flow, it is still inadequate for a planted tank. I added 2 pieces of Hydor Koralia 1 wavemakers and the flow is now adequate.

If your bioload isn't too high, you can get away with the single 2028 connected to your various peripherals as a biofilter. However, you will definitely need to add in powerheads to increase the flow in your tank and minimize/eliminate deadspots. With a single 2028, you may need at minimum 1 Hydor Koralia 2 + 2 Hydor Koralia 1s strategically positioned. The reason I recommend the wavemakers is that they produce a more even and distributed flow instead of the single strong jet produced by normal powerheads.

[Viper007]

Now I'm running a 2ft tank with a 2028.

Filter/Chiller/UV/Reactor then enter tank. The flow rate is just right.

For a 4ft tank you need 2 x 2028.

1. Filter/Chiller/UV
2. Filter/Reactor

[illumnae]

actually, a 4x2x2 is 8 times the volume of a standard 2x1x1 tank, so if the 2028 is just right for your 2ft tank, he would need 8 2028 and not 2 2028

[blue33]

actually, a 4x2x2 is 8 times the volume of a standard 2x1x1 tank, so if the 2028 is just right for your 2ft tank, he would need 8 2028 and not 2 2028

Nope! In practical you dont go by this. He's connecting through few equipment before going out, the loss of flow is almost like 40-50%, so for his 2028 it is adequate for his tank. What's the use of 8 canister if you do not know how to make good use of it, you are creating a tsunami instead. You can go by theory, in practical is not.

I agree with Viper on,

For a 4ft tank you need 2 x 2028.

1. Filter/Chiller/UV
2. Filter/Reactor

[blue33]

I have 2 4x2x2 tanks that I set up over the last 2 years. In the first tank, I tried a single 2028 with only a CO2 reactor connected and found the flow woefully inadequate. I have since upgraded that tank to a Fluval FX5 which is just right. In my second tank, I started off with 2 pieces of 2028, which are still running now. In terms of bio filtration, I find that it's more than sufficient. However, in terms of flow, it is still inadequate for a planted tank. I added 2 pieces of Hydor Koralia 1 wavemakers and the flow is now adequate.

If your bioload isn't too high, you can get away with the single 2028 connected to your various peripherals as a biofilter. However, you will definitely need to add in powerheads to increase the flow in your tank and minimize/eliminate deadspots. With a single 2028, you may need at minimum 1 Hydor Koralia 2 + 2 Hydor Koralia 1s strategically positioned. The reason I recommend the wavemakers is that they produce a more even and distributed flow instead of the single strong jet produced by normal powerheads.

This is definitely an overkill! Unless you're keeping pleco, then maybe is good to have a tsunami current.

[illumnae]

Nope! In practical you dont go by this. He's connecting through few equipment before going out, the loss of flow is almost like 40-50%, so for his 2028 it is adequate for his tank. What's the use of 8 canister if you do not know how to make good use of it, you are creating a tsunami instead. You can go by theory, in practical is not.

I agree with Viper on,

For a 4ft tank you need 2 x 2028.

1. Filter/Chiller/UV
2. Filter/Reactor

If you read carefully, the 2028 used by the thread starter is also going through inline equipment before going out. Hence, the loss of flow is equally high for the thread starter as for Viper. All things being equal, he still needs 8x the amount of flow that Viper has in his 2ft tank, not merely 2x. Even given your proposed setup, while the flow loss may not be 40-50%, it will still be 20-25% minimum per filter. So for Viper's set up, for a 54 litre tank and a 50% loss 2028, it's 525 litres per hour. For a 432 litre tank with 2x 25% loss 2028s, it's 1575 litres per hour. 3x the flow for 8x the volume. Still insufficient. Remember, I am currently running 2x 2028 with no inline equipment on my 4x2x2 and it's still insufficient flow.

Oh, and in case you didn't realize it, the mention of using 8 2028 for the tank was made in jest, hence the wink at the end. The point I was making was that more flow was needed.

This is definitely an overkill! Unless you're keeping pleco, then maybe is good to have a tsunami current.

Do you have a 4x2x2 tank to speak from experience? I have 2. If you've read my post, I have one running with a Fx5 (2400 litres/hour rated) and it's just adequate. I have another running 2x 2028 (combined 2100 litres/hour rated) with no inline equipment and it's insufficient. I added 2x Hydor Koralia 1s and it's just barely adequate for flow. My tanks are also not densely planted. For a densely planted tank, even more flow is needed. It's hardly a tsunami like you postulate. With 2x 2028 with the inline items you mentioned, it's insufficient. The flow will be sluggish and there will be deadspots galore in the tank.


edit: I notice in your 60x40x40cm tank (96 litres), you use an Eheim 2026 (950li/hour, assuming ~700li/hour after 25% flow loss from a reactor) and a Hydor Koralia Nano (900 li/hour). Is that a tsunami inducing flow as well by your definition? An Eheim 2028 (1050 li/hour assuming 525 li/hour after 50% flow loss from all inline equipment), a Hydor Koralia 2 (2300 li/hour) and 2 Hydor Koralia 1s (3000 li/hour) is 3.6x your flow for a tank that is 4.5x your volume

[blue33]

If you read carefully, the 2028 used by the thread starter is also going through inline equipment before going out. Hence, the loss of flow is equally high for the thread starter as for Viper. All things being equal, he still needs 8x the amount of flow that Viper has in his 2ft tank, not merely 2x. Even given your proposed setup, while the flow loss may not be 40-50%, it will still be 20-25% minimum per filter. So for Viper's set up, for a 54 litre tank and a 50% loss 2028, it's 525 litres per hour. For a 432 litre tank with 2x 25% loss 2028s, it's 1575 litres per hour. 3x the flow for 8x the volume. Still insufficient. Remember, I am currently running 2x 2028 with no inline equipment on my 4x2x2 and it's still insufficient flow.

Oh, and in case you didn't realize it, the mention of using 8 2028 for the tank was made in jest, hence the wink at the end. The point I was making was that more flow was needed.



Do you have a 4x2x2 tank to speak from experience? I have 2. If you've read my post, I have one running with a Fx5 (2400 litres/hour rated) and it's just adequate. I have another running 2x 2028 (combined 2100 litres/hour rated) with no inline equipment and it's insufficient. I added 2x Hydor Koralia 1s and it's just barely adequate for flow. My tanks are also not densely planted. For a densely planted tank, even more flow is needed. It's hardly a tsunami like you postulate. With 2x 2028 with the inline items you mentioned, it's insufficient. The flow will be sluggish and there will be deadspots galore in the tank.

Improper use of equipment would result to having more equipment to use, even i have a massive densely planting i dont see the need of so many equipment to run, moreover yours is not densely plant, i only can sense the lost of CO2 in your setup thus you need to use so many equipment to prevent algae in your setup. This is wastage of electricity.

Oh! It doesnt matter how many big or small tank you have if you do not know the right use. MY 0.002cents.

[blue33]

edit: I notice in your 60x40x40cm tank (96 litres), you use an Eheim 2026 (950li/hour, assuming ~700li/hour after 25% flow loss from a reactor) and a Hydor Koralia Nano (900 li/hour). Is that a tsunami inducing flow as well by your definition? An Eheim 2028 (1050 li/hour assuming 525 li/hour after 50% flow loss from all inline equipment), a Hydor Koralia 2 (2300 li/hour) and 2 Hydor Koralia 1s (3000 li/hour) is 3.6x your flow for a tank that is 4.5x your volume

Did you see i switch it on? ... Dont followed blindly just by following the picture only.

[Viper007]

Oh, and in case you didn't realize it, the mention of using 8 2028 for the tank was made in jest, hence the wink at the end. The point I was making was that more flow was needed.

Do you have a 4x2x2 tank to speak from experience? I have 2. If you've read my post, I have one running with a Fx5 (2400 litres/hour rated) and it's just adequate. I have another running 2x 2028 (combined 2100 litres/hour rated) with no inline equipment and it's insufficient. I added 2x Hydor Koralia 1s and it's just barely adequate for flow. My tanks are also not densely planted. For a densely planted tank, even more flow is needed. It's hardly a tsunami like you postulate. With 2x 2028 with the inline items you mentioned, it's insufficient. The flow will be sluggish and there will be deadspots galore in the tank.

Actually, if you think 8 filter is good for 4ft then you can by all means go for it.

I do not have a 4ft tank, but one bro; Captain Telecredible's is using the setup which I post early and his feedback was good. Btw his is quite heavy planted.

I believe my bro blue33 is not trying to make a hooha with you, just that the way you compare is way off course.

Ok can we focus on helping other's in need. And give our best advise to them. you can argue to the cow come home but I guess no one here with agree totally with your statement and the way you directly compare too.

[illumnae]

Adrian, I can only attribute your comments to your lack of experience with large tanks. CO2 and algae are a non-issue here as I don't pump CO2 into my tanks. They're low-light, low-tech tanks. Your implied allegation that I use equipment improperly or that I do not know how to use my equipment is uncalled for by the way. I have as much, if not more, knowledge than you have on how to set up and maintain tanks, and I don't pretend to know everything like you do. I will not be responding to any more jibes from you.

Thread starter, you can read through the comments and draw your own conclusions Adrian and I obviously don't agree. I guess you can read through his postulations and my experience and draw your own conclusions If need be, you can pm me to share experiences with flow in large tanks. I'll be glad to share and discuss with you about our setups

[blue33]

Adrian, I can only attribute your comments to your lack of experience with large tanks. CO2 and algae are a non-issue here as I don't pump CO2 into my tanks. They're low-light, low-tech tanks. Your implied allegation that I use equipment improperly or that I do not know how to use my equipment is uncalled for by the way. I have as much, if not more, knowledge than you have on how to set up and maintain tanks, and I don't pretend to know everything like you do. I will not be responding to any more jibes from you.

Thread starter, you can read through the comments and draw your own conclusions Adrian and I obviously don't agree. I guess you can read through his postulations and my experience and draw your own conclusions If need be, you can pm me to share experiences with flow in large tanks. I'll be glad to share and discuss with you about our setups

There's nothing to rave for having 2 4ft tank. I guess your so called low tech is not suitable for this user as he is using CO2 for his setup and so. Btw do you know small tank is more difficult than big tank, result is almost instantly. LOL. I've never said i know everything i know, is only part of your thinking only that i'm, LOL . We are here to help the user and not the way you compare is way off course.

[Viper007]

Thread starter, you can read through the comments and draw your own conclusions Adrian and I obviously don't agree. I guess you can read through his postulations and my experience and draw your own conclusions If need be, you can pm me to share experiences with flow in large tanks. I'll be glad to share and discuss with you about our setups

After going through you scaping of 4ft, 2ft and nano... Conclusion is you have alot more to learn from Adrian.

Btw I'm not insulting you as that's what you said hor. To me picture tell's a thousand words.

[WiNd08]

Im using 2x CF-600 in my 4ft tank.

The flow is rather low as it is meant for a 2ft tank.

2x of the cannister is definitely more than enough as my tank do not have any dead-spots and is nearly completely free of algae. Also, no pumps or wavemakers whatsoever

[Earth]

Thanks to doubleace, illumnae, viper007, blue33 and wiNd08 for replying to this thread. Your advice and views are greatly appreciated.

From the various points contributed, I guess my filtration is indeed inadequate and I will get another filter for my tank to improve the biological filtration, eliminate dead spot and also for ease of maintenance (wash 1 canister n leave the other running).

Thanks bros

[vinz]

Is it me, or is it getting hot in here?

There is definitely a difference in opinion and experience in here, and more than a dash of mis-communication. It's all out in the open, let the readers make their own decisions. It seemed like a healthy and robust discussion at first, but I am starting to see sparks.

So, please all take a step back and cool down.

[vinz]

I was running a 6x2x2 planted tank some years ago. I ran only one filter, but it was Eheim 2250 going at a rate of 1200lph. The only inline equipment was a Nature Aquarium custom made CO2 reactor.

My experience is that the output from a single point for large powerful filters are way too high no matter how larger the tank is. Reason is all the output is coming out in one place. and being jetted across the tank. And that jet of water causes a whirlpool in my 6x2x2 tank. In my case, I split the output into two, placed at opposite ends of the tank. I then pointed the outputs to create a circulating current.

Those were lily pipes. Later one was converted to a rainbar pointing across the tank. And even later it became a long rainbar across the back length of the tank and placed low, pointing frontwards.

Later, I added in a 0.5hp chiller and had to upgrade the pump on the filter to a 2400lph one. The chiller was placed outside the house, 6 ft away, hence a lot more extra power was needed. And of course, to meet the flow requirements of the chiller.

[J Chu99]

hi, i've been running my 4ftx2ftx2ft planted tank on one 2026 plus a teco chiller. the plants thrive and bubbles well. pearl grass also seems to grow well. but i find i have to trim at least one every other week on some fast growing plants. i am sure other more experienced people here knows better...i haven't tried increasing the filter flow rate with more filters... JC

[acc]

I run a planted 4ft with a 2028 and find it more than adequate. Plants and fishes all doing very well.