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paganwinter
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 Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:18 pm Post subject: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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Hi all,
Here are the tank specs:
Tank: 20" x 12" x 12"
Substrate: ADA AS
Light: 36W PLL
CO2: DIY - 2 x 1Ltr bottles
Plants: Mostly carpet plants (HC, Glosso, Marsilea, etc.) - still experimenting to find out what grows well/easily
Hardscape: Sloping substrate with rocks and sand patches
Given this, what kind of filtration would I need?
Here is my requirements/doubts:
Need Mechanical filtration. What about Bio, Chemical filtration?
I read that for planted tanks, bio filter isn't that important, just need mechanical.
Since the tank is small, I would like the filter to be as small/hidden as possible.
Need good water circulation inside tank.
I'd like to use the filter for CO2 (DIY) diffusion.
Internal filter:
Within budget.
Will take up too much space inside.
I am going for a Nature style aquarium and want to avoid too much equipment inside the tank as it's small.
HOB:
Will serve as a good filter; Stay hidden.
Might interfere with CO2 diffusion, cause excess degassing.
Will not provide enough circulation inside the tank.
Canister:
Serves all my requirements.
Too expensive for my budget.
Possible solutions:
1. DIY Canister filter
2. HOB for filtration AND a powerhead for circulation and CO2 diffusion
Any comments/suggestions?
Thanks in advance... |
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garothmaan
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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DIY Canister Filter  |
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saikumar
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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If you are willing to build up slowly I will say option solution 1, if its a readymade you ll not worry much.
If not for aesthetics, internal filter will always be in budget. |
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jabba
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:56 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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| go for HOB filter and when you fill water make sure the water level is till the mouth of the filter.so there will be less surface agitation. For making it as co2 diffuser make a small hole on the inlet pipe and connect the co2 tube. there also make sure there is a non return valve near the inlet of the hob also, so that water may not enter the co2 tube. My idea is if the Co2 enters the water in the inlet of the HOB it will get enuf time for being in water before falling back to the aquarium. I have never tried it. Just hit my mind when you asked so wait for more opinions |
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paganwinter
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:58 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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DIY Canister - Anyone have any good reliable designs that has consistently worked?
Have read some horror stories of it pump exploding from too much pressure or vacuum.
Internal filter would take up too much space in the tank, and as I intend to have slopes with rocks in the tank, I might be short of space for an internal filter.
What about option 2? Will I benefit from it?
Also, for my tank specs, what should I be looking for in terms of filtration?
Just mechanical o do I need biological filtration too? |
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paganwinter
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:07 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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| About putting the CO2 out into filter in take, I have read that the CO2 corrodes the filter's internal parts... |
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jabba
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:23 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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| actually for hob i dont think the water touches any metal part. In mine the inlet pipe goes to a fan made of plastic, which on rotation creates the suction and the motor part also is isolated from the water tank by rubber washer |
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saikumar
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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| paganwinter wrote (View Post):
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Have read some horror stories of it pump exploding from too much pressure or vacuum.
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where did you read? |
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paganwinter
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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But does an HOB give enough circulation?
Also I'd have to figure out a way sheild the outflow from air contact, as I doubt I'll be able to fill to the brim... |
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paganwinter
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jabba
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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| Hobs outlet will atleast be couple of inches below the glass top. also most of the hobs will come with one more pastic attachment to further extent it |
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paganwinter
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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Ok. will have a look at them...
How about circulation? Do they provide enough distribution on the water inside the tank?
Or can I have another simple pump for filtration?
Also , what filter media should I use for a planted tank? |
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paganwinter
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| Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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Ok, I am tempted to try out a DIY external/HOB hybrid filter.
I am looking for advice on what powerhead/pump to use.
Found some cheap internal filters by Sobo and RS, the pumps of which I can use.
Also found SunSun Powerheads for similar price.
Flow rate is about 600L/H and this is for a 10G planted tank.
Anyone tried using any of the above equipment/brans?
Any advice?
Shall post diagrams of the filter design by the weekend... |
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josyjames
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| Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:16 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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I wont suggest RS pumps. They are not upto the mark. I feel that the flow rate is less than what they have specified in the pump label.
I would suggest you to go for Boyu power heads. I am using them for many years and feel that they work without any problem. You can check "shopatshimba" website to know the various powerheads available, its flow rate and the price for it. Do a comparison on the flow rate and the size of the powerhead. |
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paganwinter
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| Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:42 pm Post subject: Re: Budget Filter for 10G planted tank |
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And what about the SunSun powerhead? Any experience using it?
Also Shelly, can you tell me what kind of filtration do I need for a 10G planted?
As in flow rate, filter media, etc? |
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