wet/dry filters

cazandchris

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Feb 16, 2007
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Tom, one more question. Does an eheim wet/dry filter deplete Co2 levels if surface agitation is kept to a minimum. Do people use them with planted setups or is it generally not recommended?
 

Tom Barr

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Jan 23, 2005
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I've not heard much feedback on these and planted tanks nor used them.

I just use their basic models or giant 2250/2260 models.
I prefer large giant canister filters with high flow rates and then I prefer the Ocean clear for mechanical filtration.

So not having used or tested them in the context of CO2, I cannot say.
I have used regular types of wet drys and suggest their use for larger tanks, 75-100 gal and up.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

N_E

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Jun 16, 2005
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I used to use an Eheim Wet/Dry, it worked very well.

I guess that the agitation is larger than in closed filters but the flow is quite low and the water does not become that turbulent in it.

I changed it to a closed filter mainly due to the fack that i needed a larger filter but also because of its sensitivity to flow rate.

The wet/dry cyckeling is dependent of the flow and if the flow changes the cyckeling changes, which i had some problems with due to UV-filter and external reactor.
 

Tom Barr

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Well, with low flow rates relative to a large tank, it's not going to remove much CO2.
And the bacteria should do pretty well inside, but that typically is not such a big issue with plants and high O2.

It's hard figuring out the balance between the bacteria and maintaining the plant growth rates to prevent decline in the water/algae blooms etc.

I think overall, the driving factor is plant growth much more than a filter.
Filters are namely back up Bio but you could use chemical and mechanical aspects.

To minimize the role of filtration: less light, large water changes, good consistent dosing, good consistent CO2 when the lights are on, and think that should do it.
More flow should do more than the low flow filter if the plant's needs are addressed and the tank is set up to provide simple easy management(lower light/good CO2 etc)

Regards,
Tom Barr