Making Co2 work with HOB filters

[ryant1110]

Is it possible?

I have a 16 gallon tank with an emp 280 currently (lots of filter for a small tank). The tank is heavily planted and the flow is nice. I should prolly add to the conversation that my tank has 96 watts of light (eek). The surface of the tank is moving, but nothing is cascading down making a splash. I have a redsea cheapo co2 injector on the way tomorrow in the mail, but now from reading a few peoples posts, im thinking it will be a complete waste. Would I still be losing all my Co2 injection from the moving surface water or would it still be beneficial to my plants? If I have to go with excel than I will. I've heard its good, but not the same.

All advice is appreciated as I am trying to learn all I can. I will include a pic of my current tank once I get my digital camera in order.

Thanks!

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I doubt that you will lose all of it. While the filter won't be doing you any favors, adding some CO2 will be better than nothing and your plants may have a bit better chance of getting some. I would think that Flourish Excel could be quite benificial for you. Although it is not a replacement for CO2 it will help.

[smaug]

Surface movement is ok,anything that actually breaks the surface would be the problem,if you keep the water level high so the return is more under water it should be fine.That being said,you will eventually want something less turbulent such as a small canister filter.96watts eh?Thats a pound of light for sure.You should be able to have quite a nice tank if you get all your nutrients in order.What type plants do you currently have?

[PUNISHER VETTE]

I'm running HOB's(2) in my tank with injected CO2... i opted for getting the CO2 instead of the canister filter. I'm sure i'm losing some but for now it's better then not having it.

[xoolooxunny]

you can get a drop checker from ebay for about 10 bucks, which would allow you to use HOB's and still determine how much co2 is in your water. Keep in mind that this means you will be adding more c02 to the tank than you would using a canister filter, but it is still very doable.

[hpt84]

I fill my tank water up to the black rim. I would consider taking the biowheel out of the filter.

[Adrian]

I just wanted to say something about co2. Not many realize this, but if you have co2 being pumped into the tank, you have a high level of water, and your tank is covered, your co2 concentration can still be absorbed into the water from having the tank being covered. CO2 is heavier than air, so it literally sits on top of the water. Some of it will get absorbed into the water from this process.

Yes, you need to keep a high level of water and keep agitation down to the lowest. No splashing, as said above. Hope that helps.