partition size for IOS tanks.

[theludicrous]

i was just thinking about making a 6 feet tank with IOS filtration.

how would i know how large would the partition need to be? if the partition is wider, there would be more space for filter media right?

please advice bros, thanks.

[deric79k]

your 6ft tank is for planted tank or fish?

[theludicrous]

i do hope to do up a low tech planted tank. room temperature plants, soil, community fishes, no co2.

trying to keep it simple, and easy to maintain if possible.

[deric79k]

but ur tank so big , just use canister filter, easy and no noisy at all, maintenance also less.
if low tech mainly u can have moss and some fern ,
my bucephalandra tank also consider low tech , i don't add any co2

[theludicrous]

i see, i actually thought it'll look cleaner without all the extra equipment around the setup, except for the fact that a portion of the tank will be quite obviously blocked due to the internal overflow.

[deric79k]

if with canister filter ,i much easy for you to clean the filter , wash it also .
but all depends of the person like , i just can give suggestion only

[theludicrous]

i'm not sure if the tank i'm getting will be euro-braced, and if so, it needs to have holes drilled for the canister pipes right? otherwise, i'm currently using a 1000l/hr canister right now, probably need to get another one.

of course i'm considering the fact that a tank without any partitions will be nicer as it's not obstructed from one side.

[bryan]

I have a 5ft IOS that I have been using for planted for the past 8 years. It is easy to maintain as compared to a canister and no worries of leaking hose joints and seals. I fix my Co2 mixer at the pump return. Many people increase filter space by adding an overhead filter to the pump return pipe. Replacement parts for the filter is cheap as you only need the pump, media, pipes and elbows.

[theludicrous]

thanks for the input bryan.

i had the same thoughts like what you said, regarding the worries of leaking hoses and seals.

does your tank have braces?

[bryan]

Yes my tank has euro brace. Although unsightly its a good idea for a 6 ft. You can get the tank maker to supply a hood to hide the bracing.