What kind of filter should I use?

[shockshockshad]

Since there is only 3 inches of water at the deepest part of my 12 gallon, what kind of filter should I use? The filter that came with it (it's an eclipse) didn't work.



Here is a picture. There is 1 inch of water on the far right and 3 inches on the far left.

[Tooch]

Hrm... I'm not sure! You'd need to get one with very very slow intake so as to keep the sand from getting too disturbed when it poured out from the top I would assume... A sponge filter on very low maybe? I'm not sure how that would work in the sand either.

I'm interested to hear peoples Ideas!

[cocoa_pleco]

one of those submersible reptile filters that petsmart has, theyre only $15

[siymdapolio]

Yup great idea cocoa! I was actually just surfing around for filter for this types of aquariums

[cocoa_pleco]

or another thing is to get one of those small fluval submersible filters and put it sideways in the tank, the smallest one is about $25

reptile filter is best though, they can go to as low as only a couple inches

[Adrian]

I am not sure what this tank is going to be used for. I am assuming, (God I hate assuming) That is is going to be for some kind of terrarium. With that in mind, and since you do need some kind of filter, and I do not suggest using an HOB as the water going in and out would really mess things up. I can offer you a solution, though, with "real plants" I don't know if it will work, but it does offer a solution.

I see sand, so this may get tricky. I suggest getting a UGF. You will have to put a pair of pantyhose on the filter plates so it doesn't pull the sand thru. I have seen them work on sand tanks. Using a strong enough air pump, you should be able to get water up and thru the top of the uptake tubes. And not have so much flow that it disrupts the setting. A trickle down the sides of the tubes is probably what you are looking for. It should work....best advice I can give yah.

You can also cut the uptake tubes height so it isn't so tall...unless you want that type of look.

[Drumachine09]

They make smallllll submersible filters, but to be honest, i don't think one is practical for a tank with such a small water volume. You would be better off just doing large weekly waterchanges.

[shockshockshad]

Okay. i will have plants, so that will help a little. Large water changes will be easy- I can drain the tank in 10-15 seconds. Outlander, the stock will be some shrimp and 3 kuhli loaches.

[Adrian]

I think you still could run a UGF, and make it work. It may take a little longer to get your cycle going, but I think you could do it.

[cocoa_pleco]

sand will clog the UGF though

[shockshockshad]

I have Bio-spira though. Thanks for the suggestion, but i am having plants and they don't go good with UGF's.

[NickFish]

I second the no-filter idea.
With a tank that has that little water in it, it may be better just to do 75% weekly or 50% twice weekly instead of trying to cram a filter in there and lose valuble space.If you really wanted put one of those reptile filters in there or turn a internal filter sideways, but it may be more trouble than it's worth.

[Adrian]

sand will clog the UGF though

No, not if you put pantyhose on the filter plates. It can't draw the sand down in. The mesh is too fine. I have seen these work effectively and they did a good job.

[shockshockshad]

I don't think I will use a filter. I am so happy now because I can add biospira and get the fish NOW! But I have to wait untill after spring break, because the tank will be new. Oh well!

[Adrian]

I have Bio-spira though. Thanks for the suggestion, but i am having plants and they don't go good with UGF's.

The main reason from what I remember about UGF's is that the plant roots go into the filter plates. With the nylon mesh covering them, I don't know if they will end up going thru.

Just a thought.