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Our aquariums are self-contained filters in that our plants are capable of taking waste and converting it into plant growth before it has a chance to pollute the water. Although we typically use filters as backup filtration, a well-planted aquarium can technically function without it.
When we aquascape our aquarium with the intention of using very few plants, the need arises for supplemental filtration. Again, a filter that depends on biological filtration is imployed that uses bacteria to reduce ammonia to nitrate. Then, a water change is used to remove the excess nitrate.
An alternative that's been used is the concept of a supplemental plant filter. This system works well and I would like to recommend you consider giving it a shot if you're in need.
Basically, it only requires a separate container. I've always used a hang on back refuge that is commonly used in saltwater aquariums. I then pump water to it on one side and it returns to the tank on the other.
It is lit on an off-cycle with my aquarium (i.e., it's lit at night) and has a sponge filter on the input and output sides. I like to use floating plants as my filters because they are easy and grow fast.
This type of filter also works very well when you first set up an aquarium and don't want to start out with a heavy planting of fast growing plants.
Anyone else have experience with this?
When we aquascape our aquarium with the intention of using very few plants, the need arises for supplemental filtration. Again, a filter that depends on biological filtration is imployed that uses bacteria to reduce ammonia to nitrate. Then, a water change is used to remove the excess nitrate.
An alternative that's been used is the concept of a supplemental plant filter. This system works well and I would like to recommend you consider giving it a shot if you're in need.
Basically, it only requires a separate container. I've always used a hang on back refuge that is commonly used in saltwater aquariums. I then pump water to it on one side and it returns to the tank on the other.
It is lit on an off-cycle with my aquarium (i.e., it's lit at night) and has a sponge filter on the input and output sides. I like to use floating plants as my filters because they are easy and grow fast.
This type of filter also works very well when you first set up an aquarium and don't want to start out with a heavy planting of fast growing plants.
Anyone else have experience with this?