[pineapple]

One could easily get the impression that Eheim filters and pressurized CO2 systems are used exclusively by the best designers of planted aquaria. In the photos at the link, you will find a system using Fluval 104 and Hagen DIY CO2 with a ladder diffuser. (All credits to Oliver Knott, 'The Aqua Creator', screen name Plantella).

http://www.pbase.com/plantella/lu60

Andrew Cribb

 

[ShaneSmith]

That is interesting. It is kind of surprising to know what the pro's like to use. I am certainly no aquascaping master... but i really like the filstars, they were a recommendation for Ken. They are cheaper than the Fluvals and much cheaper than eheims.

 

[gpodio]

A filter is a filter... CO2 is CO2... I don't believe either are chosen based on what results you want. There are nice tanks running off HOB and even no filters at all, not to mention no CO2. I choose filters based on their track record, noise and quality. I choose CO2 based on the amount of work I plan to invest in the tank, I've run all my tanks on DIY CO2 for many years in the past, as long as you use enough CO2 bottles for the size of the tank and you keep up with new batches, there is no reason why you won't have just as good results as with pressurized CO2.

Giancarlo Podio

 

[tsunami]

A lot can be possible with good old DIY CO2 and a HOB filter. Back in mid-late 2002, I used both and look at the results I had in twenty days time:

8/10/02:

9/1/02:

It just takes a lot more work and maintenance --something professional designers would avoid. I think Oliver can rest more easily with pressurized CO2 with a pH controller than five DIY yeast CO2 bottles.

Carlos

 

[TomE]

I'm looking at the (I guess) out line of the fuval. It seams to be split. Why is this done?

thanks for the help.

 

[pineapple]

Possibly there are two returns, hence the split.

Note that the standard (at least standard in the USA) Fluval ribbed hosing has been replaced with smooth hose.

Andrew Cribb