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External filter question

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 10:52 pm
by GrubbyGirl
I am going to move my zebra tank to the bedroom (less traffic). At the moment I have a fluval 4 plus internal filter with a venturi that works a treat. However I want to move over to an external so am currently cycling a Fluval 305. I really do not want to use an airestone as it's going to be in the bedrrom and I don't want the noise.

I was wondering what others who use externals do for oxygenation? I can get a spray bar so can I use this just below the surface of the water to create ripples? Would this be enough? I know that you don't actually have to have bubbles to help with oxygenation it's the surface movement that actually does the business. As far as I know there is no venturi system for the fluval externals.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Angela

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:02 am
by TwoTankAmin
Zebras need well oxygenated water. The return needs to do more than just ripple the surface. I tend to use HOBs, sponged powerheads and air driven sponges in my pleco tanks.

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 7:50 am
by GrubbyGirl
I also have an eheim 2075 that I know I can get a venturi for, but the tank is only 115 litres (25 UK or 30 US Gallons), but I don't know if the flow would be too high, or do they not mind the flow? I can use the fluval 305 in my 200l comunity tank.

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:35 am
by Joby
I have an external on mine with a spray bar but also have a fluval internal which produces a good flow with bubbles and an airstone but am lucky mine is not in the bedroom so don't keep me awake :lol:

Hope you can find a good balance and still sleep :D

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:32 pm
by Stevie.K
I use Ehiem Aqua balls on a few tanks & have found them to be very good & very quiet, you can also get add on sponges to them, to create another internal filter with added aeration. :wink:

Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:19 pm
by GrubbyGirl
I currently have a very good internal in there, but I really fancy the convenience and performance of an external

Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 3:56 pm
by Stevie.K
Just go for the Aqua ball to create the air & still use an external filter & your internal, you can get them for under £20. :)

Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:05 am
by mistern2005
This is exactly what I do...a Proe 3e with an Aquaball.