EHEIM vivalineLED 240 Filtration

[IvanK]

Good Evening All,

I have yet another question. I have recently stocked my tank. In general, I have almost completed decoration and stocking.

However, I can see soome tiny particles in the water and that makes me think I need more mechanical filtration.
My current filter is the standard for this tank, Eheim Ecco Pro 300.
So I am considering a few options:
1. Additional internal filter
2. Air stone with a sponge
3. Powered with a sponge

I feel like option 1 is the one I like the most.

Please let me know your thoughts.
Cheers!
Ivan

 

[hypnogogia]

How long have you been set up and the filter running?
what filter medium are you using in there?

I ask because in my experience a filter needs to run in to produce crystal clear and particle free water. As it matures, some gunk builds up which actually helps filter out the tiniest particles. It then become a fine balance to not let that to build too much and impede filter flow.
Having said that, if your tank is 240L then an Ecco Pro 300 is under powered.

 

[Conort2]

Is another external filter not an option? I like options two and three but all three options are quite ugly in a display tank.

Cheers

 

[IvanK]

How long have you been set up and the filter running?
what filter medium are you using in there?

I ask because in my experience a filter needs to run in to produce crystal clear and particle free water. As it matures, some gunk builds up which actually helps filter out the tiniest particles. It then become a fine balance to not let that to build too much and impede filter flow.
Having said that, if your tank is 240L then an Ecco Pro 300 is under powered.

Thanks for the reply, mate.
The media is the standard that comes with the filter - one tray of plastic stuff, two trays of ceramic, and that sponges on top.

I have started the filter in mid December, the aquarium was just water then.
In mid January I laid the substrate and planted a few plats.
3 weeks later I planted a few more plants and added the driftwood.
On 18th of Feb I stocked most of the fish - about 30 fishes.
On 25th I added 16 more (8 cories and 8 suckermouths).

Do you think the filer is running at his best performance at this point?

I am aware that Ecco 300 is underpowered, in the near future will upgrade to a more powerful one, however, for the time being I can only afford a budget solution of the issue, even that being a bit unsightly. So any thoughts are welcome!

 

[IvanK]

Is another external filter not an option? I like options two and three but all three options are quite ugly in a display tank.

Cheers

Hiya, thanks for the reply. In the near future I will be upgrading to a more powerful external filter. However, at the moment I am looking for a budget solution, yet, one that will really work. Please let me know your thoughts 🙂

 

[IvanK]

Hi All,

Just a bit of an update - decided to go for an air pump, EHEIM air100. It does add some more movement to the water colum.

Cheers!

Ivan