[gunk]

I have a 10g planted tank with no CO2 at the moment. I currently have a HOB filter that seems to be doing its job just fine. I'm thinking about adding some DIY co2 to promote faster plant growth. I've read that HOB filters create too much surface agitation and will make me lose all my CO2. So is it even worth the effort to try out CO2?

 

[freydo]

you can use an HOB filter with co2, you would just need to ensure to keep the water level up with your filter output. otherwise you will just outgas your co2. lots of people have maintained awesome planted tanks using HOB filters.

hope this helps.

 

[gunk]

Okay thanks I guess I'll give it a shot.

Another question: what's a good, affordable canister filter for a 10-20g tank? I don't want to spend over $100. Does that exist?

 

[CrownMan]

I totally agree with Freydo. I have 2 CO2 tanks running Aqua Clear HOB filters. I keep the water levels high in those tanks and I use a good reactor/diffuser. I do lose some CO2 due to surface turbulation but not enough to worry about it. As long as the CO2 is getting dispersed evenly around the tank, the loss in minimal.

IMHO, the best Cannister for the money is a Filstar Rena II from Ken's Fish (kensfish.com). It's about right for a 20-30 gallon tank. For a 10 gallon tank I might go with the Rena I but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[freydo]

i've used a rena xp1 on a 20 gallon tank, and it was great. you could also go with an eheim ecco series filter... i think those are fairly inexpensive, and a lot of people like those very much.

 

[chagovatoloco]

Petsmart had a sale and I had them ship an enhim 2213 to me for 69.95 + tax. If you hunt you can find a deal like this.

 

[The old man]

I agree. The Eheim Classic series (2213+)
are tried and proven.

 

[JG06]

I've always been a fan of Marineland Magnums myself.

 

[Fred_E_Krugar]

I've always been a fan of Marineland Magnums myself.

+1