new apisto tank

[cubsfan]

I am going to be setting up a new 29 gallon apisto tank and am trying to make a decision regarding filtration for the tank. I will be using CO2 injection in the tank, so it is my understanding that the surface agitation should be kept to a minimum. This factor would, I assume, eliminate the possibility of using a hang on back power filter for the tank. Does anyone have any recommendations that might help me make the decision between using a canister filter or a sponge filter. Were I to use a canister, I would most likely use the eheim 2213, unless anyone has something else to suggest. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[tjnelson44]

hello cubsfan. I had an identical setup for a while. I started out with a sponge filter with a power head on it and it did the job but it did not look very atractive. I eventually went with the eheim 2231 just because it did not take up space in my tank. A benifit of the eheim is that you can just inject the CO2 into the intake and you won't need a diffuser. I was a lot happier with a canister because it looked better, took up less tank space, and it was great for injecting CO2. I hope this helps.
Trevor

 

[aspen]

you need to use a canister, and it should have flow control, ie valves on the return to limit the flow. a spraybar is very helpful as well. you cannot keep co2 in the tank with a sponge filter.

rick

 

[BigDaddy]

I have a heavily planted 25 gallon that is using an AC 150. The AquaClears produce minimal surface agitation if the water line is high enough. I have maintained mine at 25ppm with no problems.

 

[johnnotis]

I have a planted 39 gallon with lots of light, CO2, etc. I use a HOT Magnum and I really like it. CO2 goes right in the intake, it's unobtrusive, and since I've got plants to do all the biofiltration, I use the micron filter cartridges which make my water freakishly clean and clear.
I used to have a Penguin biowheel hang-on-back type filter, and the clarity difference was really shocking to me the morning after I switched. The cartridges are easy to rejuvenate with a little bleach, and they last for years.

 

[Zapisto]

just a stupid question
do you have any schema or plan for me to understand how i can connect my CO2 into the intek.

 

[tjnelson44]

Zapisto,
What I did was put a hole into one side of the solid plastic intake tube and insert the CO2 line. You could use a drill or even do what i did and use an old pocket knife. I just twisted it back and forth until it made the right size hole but be careful if you use this method, its easy to crack the plastic. You could even heat up a screw and press it through one side. Make sure that the hole is below the water level or you will have to silicon it so it does not suck air.
hope this helps,
Trevor