Jimbooo mentioned to me that power filters weren't good for plants because you lose CO2 from the surface movement of the water. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to modify the filter. The only things I can think of is keeping the water level high so that the water doesn't splash around much or reduce the flow rate. I do have some low light plants that seem to be fine at the moment. I'd like to try a diy C02 system, but I'm not sure if I have the proper filter.
I dont know what type(make) of power filter you have been contemplating.
However, in principle, there is nothing wrong with a suitable power filter in a planted tank.
A suitable power filter is one that either has a low flow rate ( ie it does not create great turbulence at the surface)
OR one that has inlet and outlet low in the tank (close to the substrate) thus not creating surface turbulence.
If the filter does create surface turbulence it may still not be detrimental to your planted tank,
you just need to inject more CO2 than would otherwise be needed (ie. it is a waste and is detrimental to your pocket-money
) because much of the CO2 that you do inject will be lost to the air ( and contribute to global warming !!
)
Bottom line :
Can you attach a flexible pipe to the outlet of your filter and take it down low into the tank ?
