2hot2wheels Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 I am setting up a 120gl planted tank. I have always used canister filters in the past. Should I continue using canister or go to a sump? If I go to a sump filter, will I have to use c02 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishful Thinking Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 How heavily planted and how heavily stocked? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayen Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Go canister. FX5 :thumbs: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted January 4, 2009 Report Share Posted January 4, 2009 Canister. Your light levels and type of plants will determine whether you want CO2 addition. If you do end up using CO2, a sump will just cause more gas to escape. Likewise, you don't want a lot of surface agitation from a filter outflow if you're adding CO2. If the tank is going to be heavily planted, you can go with a smaller filter that what you would normally use for a fish only tank since the plants will be using up much of the ammonia/ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate. You still want good water movement throughout the tank, so if you have a smaller filter, you can add pumps or powerheads for circulation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 I had the same debate last year I choose canister, there is less water agitation, with the trickle filters you loose a lot of co2 over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 My 135g planted tank has an FX5 and a powerhead to disperse CO2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drydock Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 I have a 210 with a sump. I spend about $10 a month on CO2 in order to drop my pH 1.0 degree. (a 10lb tanks lasts me 2 months) If you are going with C02, go with the canister if you want to save money. JMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2hot2wheels Posted January 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2009 Thanks for the input. Makes the decision easier. Canister it is. Next decision is EHEIM 2217 or FX5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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