hi im still starting out in planted tanks... i used to be in the hobby of decorative freshwater fishes (cichlid and koi).
i have a 36"x18"x20" tank and a sump filter of 24"x12"x14".
a lot of people say that sump filter is not very good for planted tank due to the co2 escaping from the water because of the water agitation issues.
but as i've read the posts here, there are some people using sump filters.
Im using the sump filter since it is my old tank and i just converted it for economic reasons.... im just starting out in planted tanks so i dont want to spend too much since im still getting the feel of it. However i also prefer my tank without the powerheads and other stuff like co2 reactors for a clean look and less maintenance inside the tank...(more of in the sump only).
Can anyone give me advice as to how to incorporate the sump filter to the tank without losing too much co2?
i read about the "Dual venturi DIY External CO2 reactor" thread and the " Another method for CO2 diffusion: needle wheel powerheads" thread.
Im kind of confiused which would work better on my sump filter?
i'm using a return submersible pump Rio2100.
Another concern of mine is the water flow:
1. In a planted tank setup, which would be a better choice? to put the suction from the maintank towards the sump at the top of the water (surface skimmer style) or placing the suction at the bottom of the tank to suckout heavier dirt that would tend to settle below?
2. how do i make the water circulation adequate and not too much or to low?
3. Would my return pipe be better positioned near the water surface (but still completely submerged) pointed towards the upper level of the water or be pointed towards the bottom of the tank?
appreciate your inputs.
Tom, whats your view on this? I can see that you really know what your doing with regards to planted tanks.
i have a 36"x18"x20" tank and a sump filter of 24"x12"x14".
a lot of people say that sump filter is not very good for planted tank due to the co2 escaping from the water because of the water agitation issues.
but as i've read the posts here, there are some people using sump filters.
Im using the sump filter since it is my old tank and i just converted it for economic reasons.... im just starting out in planted tanks so i dont want to spend too much since im still getting the feel of it. However i also prefer my tank without the powerheads and other stuff like co2 reactors for a clean look and less maintenance inside the tank...(more of in the sump only).
Can anyone give me advice as to how to incorporate the sump filter to the tank without losing too much co2?
i read about the "Dual venturi DIY External CO2 reactor" thread and the " Another method for CO2 diffusion: needle wheel powerheads" thread.
Im kind of confiused which would work better on my sump filter?
i'm using a return submersible pump Rio2100.
Another concern of mine is the water flow:
1. In a planted tank setup, which would be a better choice? to put the suction from the maintank towards the sump at the top of the water (surface skimmer style) or placing the suction at the bottom of the tank to suckout heavier dirt that would tend to settle below?
2. how do i make the water circulation adequate and not too much or to low?
3. Would my return pipe be better positioned near the water surface (but still completely submerged) pointed towards the upper level of the water or be pointed towards the bottom of the tank?
appreciate your inputs.
Tom, whats your view on this? I can see that you really know what your doing with regards to planted tanks.