elmer
09-05-2008, 08:39 PM
I just got the Rena Filstar XP1 canister filter on my tank, mainly so I could put it closer to the wall (I just relocated the tank), but also because these filters are lower maintenance.
I used just biological and mechanical media.
The tank is heavily planted except for the left quarter of it which is fairly open except for a java fern on driftwood. The open area is where the outlet pipe is.
I put the power jet on the outlet pipe, and attached it to the left side and aiming forward and a bit upwards. This creates plenty of surface disturbance in that area and turbulence underwater (visible from the fish behaviour). The barbs love it. I'm not sure if the ottos and SAE like it or are disturbed by it. I imagine the keyholes don't like it, but it affects only a small part of the tank where they don't hang out anyway. Most of the tank is fairly calm. The valisneria leaves on the surface kind of act as a baffle, as do the large barthii sword leaves in the center area..
The tank is 1.5W/gallon lighting level, non-CO2. I'm not looking for much plant growth. Just plant health, reasonably low algae, and fish health.
What's the best outlet configuration? Should I use the spray bar instead?
Also, I use a glass cover, but there are gaps in the back. Shouild I be trying to seal the aquarium more?
I used just biological and mechanical media.
The tank is heavily planted except for the left quarter of it which is fairly open except for a java fern on driftwood. The open area is where the outlet pipe is.
I put the power jet on the outlet pipe, and attached it to the left side and aiming forward and a bit upwards. This creates plenty of surface disturbance in that area and turbulence underwater (visible from the fish behaviour). The barbs love it. I'm not sure if the ottos and SAE like it or are disturbed by it. I imagine the keyholes don't like it, but it affects only a small part of the tank where they don't hang out anyway. Most of the tank is fairly calm. The valisneria leaves on the surface kind of act as a baffle, as do the large barthii sword leaves in the center area..
The tank is 1.5W/gallon lighting level, non-CO2. I'm not looking for much plant growth. Just plant health, reasonably low algae, and fish health.
What's the best outlet configuration? Should I use the spray bar instead?
Also, I use a glass cover, but there are gaps in the back. Shouild I be trying to seal the aquarium more?