Filters for Planted tanks

[Abhi]

Seeing all the tanks being posted here, have noticed that the least talked about componenet of the tanks are the filters and their methods. Water changes are on high priority, but still good and efficient filteration is a must for all kind of tanks.

Would love to discuss in this thread about the various filters being used by the members here, with their pro and cons. Also if peopel can voice their most wanted and preferred filters with the respective media.

I will start it off. Usually I run Eheim filters on my tanks, A 2217 and a 2229 wet/dry, and running just a internal power filter with sponge in the planted one.
Canisters contain sponge and Sintered glass rings for good bio filteration.

[Abhishek]

Well Abhi, its a nice topic, here are my views-

If the tank size is more than 2.5ft, just canister is the only answer and if pocket permits Eheim only.
Less than that I guess HOB works good also- seen it in Abhro's place with good effect..

[Abhi]

Well Abhi, its a nice topic, here are my views-

If the tank size is more than 2.5ft, just canister is the only answer and if pocket permits Eheim only.
Less than that I guess HOB works good also- seen it in Abhro's place with good effect..

What about the media

[SCORPIO]

I don't take more pain about filters but canister and HOB filters are the best choice for the planted tanks. I have used several brands but EHEIM is the best brand.

Selecting filter media is most important factor. Bio-balls, zeolites, activated carbon, all of these are part of my running canister filters.

[Abhishek]

What about the media

Not much of stuff just 2 layers of sponge and one filled with ceramic rings/bio balls.

Activated Carbo, I keep handy incase of any emergency..

[jack]

i have used many filters but so far canister have done the best job.

for me Eheim have worked the best, plus the parts are also easily available.
and media i use Eheim substrate and Seachem products are cool...

[zico_aqua]

IMO for planted aquaria a flow of 10X is what should be aimed for! One must not get confused about the fact of what filters rate their GPH as that reading is an ideal condition reading with 'ZERO' media. HOB's are good no bout but canisters win the day any day! as I am more into nano's HOB's are there with me but for the 1ft. cube I went for a mini-canister and results are more than satisfactory as well!! for filter media I prefer using sponge+carbon+ceramic ring+nylon wool for the first 15 days post which the carbon is removed, another 15 days the sponge is removed, both these empty areas get filled by ceramic rings. nylon-wool stays in the tank (gets changed every month), further more planning to add purigen in the long run, might add in my next scape to see characteristic difference.

[ishaan]

i am using HOB filters in my tank but would prefer using canister filter but budget don't allow that. I tried using top filter but its flow disturb the plants.
Regarding filter media i use ceramic ring and nylon wool.

[Abhi]

Canisters are definitely the best bet.

@Rajiv, wouldn't zeolite and carbon both deplete the certs and minerals in the tank. How do they help in a planted tank apart from removing tannins.

[sushant]

canister are no doubt one of the best filter, but nothing can beat a sump filter when it comes to biological filteration.

i'm using a Sera precision, though not the most talked about, its no way inferior to any Ehiem product.
also have a Aquaone filter running for last 2-3 years without a single problem.