Fluval 2 Plus

[shemesh]

I got my new filter today and have a few questions...

It has an Airflow control device for the 'venturi effect'. What is this about? Should I use it?

How high should the outlet flow be?

Should I still run the old filter alongside until the new one's seeded with beneficial bacteria - or can the old filter be turned off and left alongside? How long til the new filter's 'up and running' with bacteria?

My tank's 24inches long (the filter looks huge!)

 

[Bloo]

I have the same filter in one of my tanks. I don't use the attachement as I have a planted tank and the bubbles are no good for the plants as it dissolves the CO2 far too quickly.

I have my flowrate slighty restricted as I run a smaller filter alongside the Fluval (for a hospital tank in case I need it).

If possible, put some of the old filter media (sponge etc.) into the Fluval - that will help to seed it. If it doesn't fit or work, just run them alongside each other for a couple of weeks and that should do the trick.

Oh and do check the impeller every time you do a water change and filter check. It does tend to gunk up a bit and will just stop working then. So just give it a very good wash under a showerhead or similar.

 

[Rich T]

I have the same filter in one of my tanks. I don't use the attachement as I have a planted tank and the bubbles are no good for the plants as it dissolves the CO2 far too quickly.

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I never knew that... might explain why some of the plants I have look a little worse for wear. So your saying if I have a planted tank with the fish in my sig below and one of these filters I should not use the venturi device ?

I have several plants in my tank which arent looking to great at the moment as they've just arrived from a mail order company

And just to make sure when you refer to planted tank, you dont just mean a tank with nothing but plants in it do you ?


If I can stop using it it would be great as its a noisy thing when its running
There are about ten seperate plants in my tank from amazon swords to Elodea densa (The plant used commonly in ponds to oxygenate it)

 

[Bloo]

Rich T - that's right - do not use an air curtain or bubble maker that will agitate the surface - or you will lose the CO2 (most of it anyway).
And by planted tank I mean a "normal" tank with fish and plants - though the same would apply to a tank with purely plants.