Flourite and HOB filters

[AquaJoe]

Just wondering if I am the only planted newb out here using HOB filtration. I noticed that the discharge stream of my filter is disturbing the bed of flourite and causing it to cloud up my aquarium, and consequently my filter's impeller. Do I need to change to a canister or should I just get a smaller HOB? Anywho, it would be great to get everyone's ideas/feedback! Thanks in advance!

Best,
Joe

 

[NoSvOrAx]

If your inclined, you can just put a rock or piece of driftwood where the water falls back into the tank.

What size tank? I perfer a canister on anything over 10g myself.

 

[AquaJoe]

20 gallon tank with an aquaclear 110 on it. I know the filter is big time over kill but is has worked great for me in the past on my 29 gallon... And yes I know the balas will get huge so and so forth

Best,
Joe

 

[NoSvOrAx]

Well I'd go with a piece of hardscape then. Either that or DIY fan on the output. Like a piece of acrylic to spread the flow out along the surface instead of just dumping it in.

 

[AquaJoe]

I have a peice of drift wood that I want to put in the tank but I just can't seem to get it treated. I've boiled it for at least a total of 20 hours and it still gives off this slime like stuff when I put it in the tank and it sits for a couple of days. Now it's out in the back yard sitting on the bbq frozen inside the pot I was using... I'm in northern Alberta so I might have to wait a while to get it back In any event, I think I might just switch to a smaller HOB for now. Seeing as the tank is planted I shouldn't have a problem keeping all of my readings in wack.

Happy holidays!
Joe

 

[Alshain]

I prefer a canister, but they are really only worth it on larger tanks. HOBs are great for smaller tanks but I wouldn't use one on a 55+ gallon. For your 20 gallon I would stick with the HOB filter.

If you are looking for a new HOB, Rena has just started their new line which have a really nice design, but do cost quite a bit. Other than that you have penguin, aquaclear and all the knockoffs of those two. I prefer the penguin on really small tanks (5 gallon) where biological filtration can be easily disturbed.