Canister Filter on 10-gallon?

[jread]

I've noticed that a canister filter is the preferred method for a planted tank... seems that's what almost everyone uses.

I have a penguin powerfilter on the back of my 10-gallon at the moment and would rather use a canister, but I haven't seen any canisters suited for a tank that size. It seems that even the smallest canister filters are made for larger aquariums.

Is there a canister suited for a 10-gallon? Is it even worth shelling out the money for a canister or should I just keep my little powerfilter? I'm just worried about the power filter agitating the surface too much, letting CO2 escape.

[Scorpion]

I have a Magnum 350 that I could bring down to you at the end of this month. I am heading to San Antonio. Not far from you.

[Rex Grigg]

There are no real options for cannister filters on 10 gallon tanks. All the flow rates are just too high. I use Aqua-Clear filters on my smaller tanks.

[jread]

Originally Posted by Rex Grigg

There are no real options for cannister filters on 10 gallon tanks. All the flow rates are just too high. I use Aqua-Clear filters on my smaller tanks.

This is what I figured

Scorpion, I appreciate the offer but I think I'm just going to keep the little penguin powerfilter I've got now.

[Scorpion]

No prob. I have a Mag 280 on a 10!

[hypsophrys]

I believe Momotaro is putting an Eheim Aquaball in his 15g. Maybe he'll stop by and let you know how that's going...

The internal Fluvals are also rated down to that size of tank. These are both types of internal canisters, btw...

Ian

[Wasserpest]

Originally Posted by jread

I'm just worried about the power filter agitating the surface too much, letting CO2 escape.

You could easily modify the outflow by adding a coarse sponge, or some kind of plastic lid which directs the flow downward rather than along the surface.

Internal filters look ugly (hard to hide them in a small tank) and are difficult to clean. I would keep that little penguin...

[Momotaro]

I got the Aquaball today.

I will be setting everything up in the next couple of days. I'll keep everyone posted on it.

I can tell you this much. While the Aquaball is not big, I think it is too big for a 10G, at least the 2208 is. The 2206 is smaller and would fit better in a 10G. In fact, it would be a great addition to a larger aquarium that needs a boost in water circulation.

Mike

[Gomer]

Rex, you could always turn down the flow on the canisters.

[Rex Grigg]

I think restricting the flow that much on most any cannister filter is going to cause you no end of problems in the long run.

[hypsophrys]

I agree. Back-pressure with all those fittings and gaskets? Scary.

[Gomer]

instead of restricting the output flow (agree with the backpressure arguement)

..whatabout doing something on the intake side of things to limit the conductance of the intake?...like wrap it in filter floss etc. ir better yet, use an inline restrictor (ie go from 5/8 to 1/2" back to 5/8" on the intake tubing (this a 30% decrease in cross sectional area)

[hypsophrys]

I think I remember reading that restricting the inlet of an impeller causes it to burn out...

[Rex Grigg]

That's correct. Restricting the intake is actually worse than restricting the outflow.