External Power Filter In A Planted Tank

[~T~]

Just wondering the best way of using one in a planted tank(lowish light). I obviously want maximum filtration but I dont want my plants to suffer with too much flow. Am I best using a spray bar or the nozzle head thingy?

 

[aaronnorth]

spray bar - the nutrients and CO2 will get pished around more evenly, aim for 10x turnover in a planted tank.

 

[bare bottom]

spray bar - the nutrients and CO2 will get pished around more evenly, aim for 10x turnover in a planted tank.

Pished

 

[Wolfenrook]

Also the 10x circulation doesn't have to come entirely from your filter. The most important thing for your choice of filter is how much biological media it can hold! If this means a big canister with a lower lph rating then you can always boost your in tank circulation with powerheads or flow pumps, which work out a lot cheaper than massive filters, but some find them an eye sore.

Ade

PS. I also don't use a spray bar, I use a plastic lilly pipe. Does as good a job of moving the water around.