Spray Bar

[Lateral Line]

In a balanced tank, surface agitation can be minimised. Bear in mind though, that a balanced tank is invariably stocked at very low levels. The typical "fish soup" community tanks filled to breaking point with fish do not fall into this category.

 

[Barday]

Hmmm so it might be a bad idea after all?

I dont think i'm overstocked........

3 gourami
5 mollies - 15-20 molly fry
5 corries
2 bn Plecos
2 adfs
and a crap load of snails

in a 30g

 

[Yenko]

Correct. I've read about some tanks where the plants pretty much provide everything the fish need, inc filtration.

You still need something to move the water around. If you have gravel and a low fish stocking, you can acheive this. A powerhead that blows water across some gravel may be enough. Plants are the best filters in the world; in addition to sucking up nutrients they deter alage, keep your fish happy, encourage mating behavior and look good. I'd like to see ANY man-made filtration system do all that. Plants don't help with nitrITE problems; that's the sole function of a filter in a well-planted tank. I use a sightly undersize filter for my planted tank; the plants suck up ammonia like there's no tomorrow.

Barday, you probably are a bit overstocked, but with good water changes and a good-sized filter you will be fine.

Spray bars are a good idea for reducing currents in your tank; although currents are benificial for most fish - it provides excercise which in turn causes their fins to develop properly.