Filtration For a 10 Gallon

[bobtrop]

I'm going to take a crack at a 10 gallon planted tank (I want to do it right this time) and would appreciate any advice on the best filter to use. I'm going to use Eco-Complete for the substrate and I purchased the 2x13 retrofit kit from AH Supply. I wasn't going to inject any CO2 at this time, unless I find that the plants aren't doing all that well. Would one of the smaller Aquaclear filters cause too much water turbulence? Thanks.

[natebob]

I just started my first planted tank (10g) also. I'm currently using an AC 20/mini. While it is a bit more powerful for my liking at full power I have turned it down such that it filters at about 50% its flowrate (~50gph now). It makes for feeding easier and now my little harlequins don't get tossed around in the current as much.

[Centurion]

to reduce surface turbulance to a minumum, i would recommend an internal filter like the duetto dj-50 or the fluval 1 plus.

[dertyharry420]

i bought a penguin 125 bio wheel for my 10gallon and its clear as clear gets !

[Mr Burns]

LOL....I'm using a Rena xP1 on my 10gal. It's overkill on top of overkill, but I'll have my CO2 reactor plumbed inline. Before that, I was running a Whisper 10...great filter, but I wanted a canister to run my reactor with. Personally, I wouldn't suggest getting anything with a biowheel, but it will depend on how heavily you're going to plant the tank and what type of plants you'll be using. For a heavily planted tank like mine, all that's needed is mechanical filtration.

Just a heads up, with the 2x13 retrofit kit, you won't need CO2. I have a 1x36 and a 2x13 delux kit. I started with the 2x13 retrofit, but it was only enough to grow low-light plants.

[malkore]

I prefer Aquaclear filters on my planted tanks, specifically because they are inexpensive, reliable, don't have the bio-wheel (which is undesirable if you ever plan to inject CO2), and because you can turn the flow down. The AC Mini/20 would be just right on a 10 gallon.