What's A Quality Filter For A Planted 10 Gallon?

[waterdrop]

Yeah, pretty nice looking little filter, never seen one of those..

I think you went in the right direction with the aquaclear from what I've read here. On the size tank you are working on, an eheim cannister and inline would be a pricey setup. Inlines are fantastic for getting equip out of the tank and the hydors are rock solid with the temp and powerful, but they need normal sized output tubes from externals filters.

The beauty of the aquaclear I believe is the openness to put in what you want. Since carbon only lasts 3 days and is mostly just used for specialized purposes these days, you can increase your bio capacity with more ceramic media or more sponge - either is a good anchor for the bacteria.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Starfishpower]

really??? the carbon only lasts 3 days? why is that? what is the carbon used for? and i would def. like to get rid of it. i hate how the carbon bag is twice as long as the filter basket and im forced to fold it over on it's self to get it to fit. it doesnt form fit very well either. ill probably replace it with more sponge or noodles. it is a planted tank, so which is better?

 

[dizzied]

You don't really fold the carbon bag, you kinda fluff it up like a pillow so it fits. But I agree that you should replace it. I'd go with an additional sponge.