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bobbyfisher
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Joined: Sep 08, 2009
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Location: Mumbai
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 Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Hi,
I have a 15 gallon planted tank and I was given a filter by my LFS guy. It is one of those types that you hang inside on the glass tank walls (pic is slightly dated...have a few more plants now)
He told me to run the filter for just an hour or so a day. For aeration he gave me an air pump (was that needed? i feel conned  )
Anyway, the filter's specs _ Brand RS Electrical RS 702
1500 L/Hr
HMax 0.8 m (whats Hmax btw )
My queries are :
1. Is it ok to run this filter for just an hour?
2. If not, how do i reduce the force? The current from the filter is too high
3. I read about spray bars in this forum - while i am willing to try it, wouldnt it still be very forceful (since it is 1500 l/hr?)
4. Any other more elegant method  ? ( somehting that doesnt put a hole in my pocket..i have heard that the HOB filters are expensive)
Fish i have
1 gold fish, 2 tangerine sword tails, 1 platy, 2 green sword tail like fish (name unknown) , 2 guppies |
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Yogesh
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Joined: Sep 18, 2005
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Hi There,
Must say you got yourself very powerful filter for your 15G tank. It is called Internal Power filter which will cause lot of turbulence in your small tank, thereby will stress your fish.
HOB filters are not that expensive as you are thinking. 100LPH HOB will work fine for your this tank which are easily available with common LFS. Any filter should be running 24/7 for bacterial colonization. |
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aroopnath
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Hi Bobby,
I had faced a similar problem with my Internal filter. Initially i had planned to go for a spray bar and even thought of making myself a DIY spray bar. Instead the best option you could go for is to align the output of your filter against the wall of the tank. That way the pressure would be hitting the tank rather than create a turbulence in the water. But do be a bit careful when you align it against the wall. If the distance is not right theres chances of spillage because of the force of the water. |
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bobbyfisher
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Joined: Sep 08, 2009
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Location: Mumbai
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Thank you Yogesh and Aroopnath.
Yogesh, Will check out the HOB filter. But i really think i will stick to spray bar for now. I am barely a few weeks into this hobby and am looking to cut corners initially at least.
Aroopnath, the water force is just too much to get rid of the problem by changing direction towards the glass. Have tried this out before.
Thanks ppl!
This is a wonderful forum for novices like me. all dumb questions seem to be tolerated without any snottiness! wonderful ppl around!! |
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Arnab
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Bobbyfisher
Welcome.
Please update your profile with your real name, location etc. It is more pleasing to work with a person :-) Stating your location will allow members to help you better.
Fundamental rule of aquarium maintenance: Filter should run 24X7. Only exception to this rule may be when you feed the fish or when you clean the filter :-)
Assuming that you are not planning to go fully planted and pressurized CO2 etc here is what I feel
The filter you have is mostly fine. It is basically a power head attached to an internal filter. You can attach the air pump to the power head if you feel like it (There should be an attachment for that).
As you pointed out, the flow from this filter will be too much for your aquarium. This will cause discomfort for the fish and also might uproot the plants. There are two options:
1. Direct the flow towards the glass. This will reduce the strong direct current directed at the fish.
2. As you already mentioned, attach a spray bar to the outlet of the power head. You might get a spray bar for your filter or you might make one your self. This will reduce the flow considerably. You can also lift the spray bar above the water level and let the water fall on the surface as a shower. That will oxygenate the water as well.
Personally I like HOBs as they do not clutter the tank interior and the water flow in the tank is gentle but constant. They are costlier than the internals but not astronomical. I have been using two RS HOBs for the last two years and have no complaints.
I noticed something from your picture. The water level is way down. Your tank is effectively 2ft X 1ft X 8/9 inches. Top up your tank to a a few mm from the top. Advantages are:
1. Your fish gets that much more water (I am guessing that approx 20lts more).
2. The water line will be covered by the canopy giving a pleasing view of the tank
3. White lines formed on the inner walls due to evaporation will remain hidden from view and you need not worry about cleaning it.
Your livestock quantity is fine. One little nit pick. You might want to replace the gold with platies, sword tails etc. Golds are messy as they eat and excrete a lot.
Think of adding more live plants.
Do 20% water change weekly.
Read the forum posts, old and new. There is a wealth of information there. You will get all your questions answered and you will also get some answers, the questions of which you did not know existed :-)
Happy fish keeping.
Regards.
Arnab. |
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DJ_Rocky
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:14 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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The actual output of RS-702 filter is around 400-500 L/H and it's not suitable for 50 ltrs tank.
The best bet would be a Hang On Back filter. Look for around 200-300 L/H HOB filter. |
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bobbyfisher
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Location: Mumbai
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Thanks Arnab for the detailed reply. I am from Mumbai. Will check why it doesnt show in my profile.
About fully planted tank - I do intend to go fully planted once I get a hang of things. Have a DIY yeast CO2 in mind. But thats for later.
In the meantime, will check out HOB and turning the outlet to the glass wall as Aroopnath had also mentioned.
As for water level, I initially had a 18W tube (looked like a Chinese type) and it had holders on both the ends. Then one fine day I decided that the light isnt enough and got myself a 36 W thingie. Problem : Holder only on one side and with the added weight of the new tube, it is well precariously placed and sloping downwards towards the water surface. That is the motivation behind keeping the water level low. Any suggestions for the tube conondrum?
Have added a few more plants. Waiting for them to grow crazy (added a bacopa and another variety that hasnt yet been named. My query on that is at http://indianaquariumhobbyist.com/community/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=165975#165975
Thanks |
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Mortis
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:22 pm Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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| Maybe you could use tape to support it and stick it to the hood, aligning it so that it is level with the socket. If your filter did not come with a spray bar you could make something easily using a pipe. Just use a length that goes almost all the way across your tank and make some 2-3 mm holes every 1-2 inches. You can leave the othe rend open and facing the glass as most of the flow will be reduced and will not cause spillage. Dont know how you will keep it supported though. |
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bobbyfisher
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Paid heed to the advice on the HOB filter and got myself one yesterday
300L per hour and Fish look much more comfortable.
But now the problem of how to fix the hood remains because the HOB comes in the way. It is the normal metal hood( sloping down from the center type) that i have.
I do not want to cut it. I am thinking some vertical glass pieces on all 4 corners like stilts to lift up the hood. Adhesive - aquarium sealant.
Will it work? Any other ideas ? |
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bobbyfisher
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| Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:48 am Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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No response :(
Another query - the filter i have got is Dolphin. and the biological filter looks like it could get clogged soon- its like a pad. Do you think replacing it with sponge is a better idea. Behind the pad there are small cylindrical pellet like things. Is it carbon for chemical filtration? how often would it be needed to be replaced? |
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DJ_Rocky
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| Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:01 am Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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| bobbyfisher wrote (View Post):
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the filter i have got is Dolphin. and the biological filter looks like it could get clogged soon- its like a pad. Do you think replacing it with sponge is a better idea. Behind the pad there are small cylindrical pellet like things. Is it carbon for chemical filtration? how often would it be needed to be replaced?
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Yes you can replace the cartridge with sponge and add carbon as well into the basket / empty space if required.
It's always good to replace the carbon within 50-60 days. But why do you want to use carbon there? |
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bobbyfisher
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| Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:18 am Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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ok. confession time.
I picked up this filter just before a party i was already late for. Dint really watch out for what i was buying and dint see the pellets behind the sponge pad. came back home stone drunk, but there was enough enthu to take out the filter and got it running, thinking will read the cover next day. the cover was duly thrown out by the maid and now i am stuck with a filter without knowing what the pellets are. i am assuming it is carbon. (tried taking pics...doesnt come clearly since it is packed behind a mesh)
If it is carbon, isnt it good for tank filtration? if it isnt carbon, any dolphin users know what it is?
thanks guys. |
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nash81
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Joined: Feb 05, 2008
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| Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:25 am Post subject: Re: Filter for a 2*1*1 (ft) tank |
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Hi
If the filter is Dophin HOB, then it has carbon pellets.
Warm Regards
Nirav Shah
Indiapetstore.com |
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