CO2 dead zones: upgrading the HOB?

Rainer · 05-29-2011, 10:41 PM

I'm running an Atomic diffuser directly beneath the outflow of an Aqueon HOB with the water polisher removed for better flow. The right rear quadrant of my 29g still isn't getting enough CO2 as proven by the black spot algae on some of the plants there (it doesn't respond to direct Excel dosing). I don't want to add a powerhead for aesthetic reasons so I'm thinking of getting a larger HOB. The current one is 125GPH and the upgrade options are 200 and 250GPH.

Would the 250 be too much flow in a 29g? Any difficulties I'm overlooking?

**Hoppy** · 05-29-2011, 11:09 PM

A canister filter would solve your problems very well. If you watch Ebay and Craigslist you can often find good buys on used canister filters. And, of course, the Swap n Shop forum sometimes has a canister filter for sale at a good price. It just takes patience.

Rainer · 05-29-2011, 11:23 PM

There's no room for a canister; I barely have room for the CO2 equipment. The tank is on a solid table, not a stand.

Rainer · 05-30-2011, 08:06 PM

I'd hate to upgrade to a 200GPH only to find out it's not quite enough...but I'd also hate to possibly stress the inhabitants and plants with too much flow from a 250GPH.

Anyone using a high flow HOB in a 29g willing to chime in?

lipadj46 · 05-30-2011, 09:18 PM

I have a 530 gph canister (without the spraybar) plus an emperor 400 on my 55 and the current is fine for everyone save for fancy tail guppies. If you are worried or don't have the space install a power head of some sort.

trixella · 05-30-2011, 09:26 PM

I had a Aqueon hob on my 26 gallon and recently changed over to a Aquaclear 50 (200 gph)... and it seems to be working real well without stressing the fish out.

05-29-2011, 10:41 PM	#1
Rainer Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (17/100%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: TN Posts: 1,518	CO2 dead zones: upgrading the HOB? I'm running an Atomic diffuser directly beneath the outflow of an Aqueon HOB with the water polisher removed for better flow. The right rear quadrant of my 29g still isn't getting enough CO2 as proven by the black spot algae on some of the plants there (it doesn't respond to direct Excel dosing). I don't want to add a powerhead for aesthetic reasons so I'm thinking of getting a larger HOB. The current one is 125GPH and the upgrade options are 200 and 250GPH. Would the 250 be too much flow in a 29g? Any difficulties I'm overlooking? __________________ 29g high tech, 10g low tech halfmoon, and please see my 5g crescent journal.

05-29-2011, 11:09 PM	#2
Hoppy Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (54/100%) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 17,218	A canister filter would solve your problems very well. If you watch Ebay and Craigslist you can often find good buys on used canister filters. And, of course, the Swap n Shop forum sometimes has a canister filter for sale at a good price. It just takes patience. __________________ Hoppy

05-29-2011, 11:23 PM	#3
Rainer Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (17/100%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: TN Posts: 1,518	There's no room for a canister; I barely have room for the CO2 equipment. The tank is on a solid table, not a stand. __________________ 29g high tech, 10g low tech halfmoon, and please see my 5g crescent journal.

05-30-2011, 08:06 PM	#4
Rainer Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (17/100%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: TN Posts: 1,518	I'd hate to upgrade to a 200GPH only to find out it's not quite enough...but I'd also hate to possibly stress the inhabitants and plants with too much flow from a 250GPH. Anyone using a high flow HOB in a 29g willing to chime in? __________________ 29g high tech, 10g low tech halfmoon, and please see my 5g crescent journal.

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05-30-2011, 09:18 PM	#5
lipadj46 Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 800	I have a 530 gph canister (without the spraybar) plus an emperor 400 on my 55 and the current is fine for everyone save for fancy tail guppies. If you are worried or don't have the space install a power head of some sort.

05-30-2011, 09:26 PM	#6
trixella Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 732	I had a Aqueon hob on my 26 gallon and recently changed over to a Aquaclear 50 (200 gph)... and it seems to be working real well without stressing the fish out.