Equipping for upgrade

[WiggyH]

Hi all.
I'm currently looking into upgrading equipment in readiness for a larger tank set up. Im running a 'love fish' panorama 64 litre tank with an upgraded light system, as marketed by Love fish.
Filtration is provided by a Fluval U1 unit, which is a very basic unit as is probably under-powered. Haven't bothered measuring the flow rate, but it is about a thimble an hour!
Co2 injection is in place with a pressurised system from Co2 supermarket. Runs faultlessly and keeps levels in the green without intervention.
Tank is planted. Anubias and vallisneria growing well. Microsorum and enchinodurus now struggling. Micrathemum carpet died off after being dug up by shrimps, or through lack of growth.
Feeding is through Evolution Aqua, aquascaper complete at 2ml per day.
Bio load is not significant, 7 cardinals, 2 honey gourami, 1 female siamese fighter, 3 amano shrimp, 3 wood shrimp and a lone zebra snail.

So, that's the current status.

Looking to upgrade to a 140 ish litre tank as I have space for 80x45x45.

Just wanting to spread the cost and was planning on starting with an external filter, with heater and online Co2 diffuser to clear the internal tank equipment.

Looking at options, and opinions.
Was thinking of Oase Biomaster thermo 250 but I'm worried the flow rate might have washing machine effect on my current livestock. Was also looking at the Filtosmart thermo 200, which has a lower flow rate, but doesn't seem to have such good reviews.
Do you find the flow rate easy enough to control for a small tank, as per my current set up. How much does the flow rate drop from quoted output when in-line diffusion is installed. Any other recommendation on filtration to fit my needs.

I'll put up a current picture once my lights come on.

Thanks.

 

[Nick potts]

I think you will be fine with the 250, by the time you take into account the flow loss from head height etc. As an example, I have a 1000LPH external, a powerhead and a surface skimmer running a 40ish litre tank without issues.

 

[jolt100]

I use a Greenline 1501 on tge same size tank with inline diffuser and homemade spraybar and don't find the flow excessive. The jets from the spraybar reach the front glass and the fish aren't bothered by the flow. Mind you there is a lot of plant mass for cover.
Cheers

 

[WiggyH]

Now needing advice on lighting upgrade.

My plan is to remove the hood from my Lovefish 64L and upgrade the light unit.
Due to the location of the tank I do not have the luxury of pendant lighting, and I don't like I'll get away with that with the wife. I also need to build a partial hood around part of the new light to block direct light interfering with seating areas (tank is directly next to the sofa, so will be like sitting in a spotlight).

So I'm looking for a LED unit which sits close as close to the water level/rim of tank. What options to people recommend.
I had in mind the Fluval Plant 3.0, but reviews appear to be mixed. Far better units are found in the Chiheros A series and the Twinstars. Both of which sit approx 4 inches above the tank. The unit will need to fit the current 60cm width, but then also be suitable for the upgrade to 80cm.

Budget is a consideration, but not too strict as this is a longterm project as I want to get the right product.

Looking to create a 'jungle style' layout, which will stay in place for 12 months, before rescaping.

Any ideas welcome.
P.s. took delivery of my Biomaster 250 yesterday. Excited to get it up and running in the next few days, once my in-line diffuser arrives.

 

[KirstyF]

Would just consider whether you are likely to get condensation etc! It sounds like your hood will be partly open so may not be an issue but if condensation is likely to be caused by the light being so close to water level, then the you may want to check any lights IP rating. The Plant 3.0 is IP67 so good with condensation, in fact a brief swim and it should still be ok. I chose these for my tank primarily with this issue in mind but found lighting options much more limited. Sorry, I can’t help with a review however as the tank is not running yet!