Hob Filters And Plants

[leafs]

I've been told that HOB filters aren't the best to use for plants because of surface agitation. I've read on another site as to how to solve this problem, but I'm not too sure. The idea is to place a sponge with a cut slit over the output of the filter (Aquaclear) so it will catch the return flow and nullify surface disruption. My question is, will this cause the oxygen level to be too low, since there will be very little agitation?

Thanks

 

[pseud]

It will probably reduce the O2 levels. I doubt it will make a significant difference though. In any case, it's a planted tank:

Plants + CO2 + Light = Growth + O2.

 

[IovaykInD]

Your O2 levels will be lower, but probably not enough to sufficate your fish if you have plants. As long as you don't see your fish gasping at the surface for air, you can use it, but if they do, just remove it. Better current than dead fish . What was the website you read to solve the problem with HOB filters? I have an HOB filter, and would like to know how to stop the current also.

Isaac

 

[leafs]

Your O2 levels will be lower, but probably not enough to sufficate your fish if you have plants. As long as you don't see your fish gasping at the surface for air, you can use it, but if they do, just remove it. Better current than dead fish . What was the website you read to solve the problem with HOB filters? I have an HOB filter, and would like to know how to stop the current also.

Isaac

I think I'll give it a try and see what happens since I can't seem to get my C02 level above 10ppm using the Diy method. Heres the instructions. Using an HOB, take a filter sponge which has a long side a little bit longer than the filter outflow. Lay it on its side and cut a slit about 1/3 from the back along the long dimension. Slip this over the filter outflow with 1/3 of the sponge between the filter and tank (this will hold it in place) and 2/3 in front. The sponge will catch the return flow and nullify surface disruption.

 

[IovaykInD]

Here's a website which will probably help as well:
http/www.petfish.net/articles/Do-It-Your...currentkill.php

I find this really helpful but it looks really ugly.

 

[leafs]

Here's a website which will probably help as well:
http/www.petfish.net/articles/Do-It-Your...currentkill.php

I find this really helpful but it looks really ugly.

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 

[zig]

Im nearly certain kenneth kpe does this on his setup, maybe give him a pm but he posts here regular enough anyway and will probably see this thread.

 

[leafs]

Im nearly certain kenneth kpe does this on his setup, maybe give him a pm but he posts here regular enough anyway and will probably see this thread.

Will do. Zig, do you have any ideas as to why I can't seem to get my C02 above 10ppm? I'm getting about 1 bubble every 2 or 3 seconds. That's why I'm trying to limit the surface agitation. How much surface agitation is too much? Mine just seems to slightly move the water, but not to the point of creating bubbles.
I'm using 2 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of yeast and luke warm water. My ph is not going below 7.6 and my KH is 12.

Thanks

 

[pseud]

Im nearly certain kenneth kpe does this on his setup, maybe give him a pm but he posts here regular enough anyway and will probably see this thread.

Will do. Zig, do you have any ideas as to why I can't seem to get my C02 above 10ppm? I'm getting about 1 bubble every 2 or 3 seconds. That's why I'm trying to limit the surface agitation. How much surface agitation is too much? Mine just seems to slightly move the water, but not to the point of creating bubbles.
I'm using 2 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of yeast and luke warm water. My ph is not going below 7.6 and my KH is 12.

Thanks

Try doubling the amount of yeast.

 

[zig]

Yeah it sounds like you need more yeast if this is a 2 litre bottle.

 

[EliteFishy]

What are HOB filters?

 

[leafs]

Thanks Zig and pseud. It is a 2 litre bottle. I'll double it.

What are HOB filters?

It stands for hang off the back filter. Mine is an Aquaclear.

 

[leafs]

I just tried the sponge on the filter outflow and it's working great. The water is not been obstructed and the surface is almost perfectly still. I just looks a little ugly, but I'm going to try and to make it less obstrusive looking.

 

[pseud]

Watch out that your filter doesn't overflow. I was too scared to do this. Worried that overnight it would flood the house.

 

[leafs]

Watch out that your filter doesn't overflow. I was too scared to do this. Worried that overnight it would flood the house.

So far so good. I can't see it overflowing they way I set it up, but I'll have to keep an eye on it.