What filter to use?????

[spangela]

Hi every one, im having issues deciding what filtration to use on my new tank that im setting up. Its a 350 litre tank that im having made, im not wanting a fully planted tank but going to have amazon plants in it, with the intention of possibly planting it in the future. Fish im gonna have in it are Discus, cardinals. blue rams, clown loaches B/N etc.

As i see it have a 60 litre sump siting idle in my fish room which i can use or i can use a aquis canister filter or im even tossing up wheather to use a canister filter that has a in built uv light. Im wanting to put in a UV is that nessacary??. Any help would be great as this is gonna be my first effort at putting together a semi planted tank. Cheers

[sharn]

a sump would be great (im not sure how they go with co2 if you are planning to use it, i think it would dissipate it quickly), or the canister with UV thingie, or even one without it :lol: Im not sure how much extra the UV costs when in a canister but if its not too much then its a nice investment, you dont *need* it though.

My only suggestion is leave the discus till last if you are new to them, have the tank running a few months before you stock with them so you have time to get things running properly and have your routines sussed. Also get the largest you can afford (breeders often the cheapest and best quality), going into a planted tank they may not have the cleanliness of a barebottom which can stunt their growth if small (part of the reason to get the planted tank running nicely and all in balance) and larger discus are hardier IME anyway.

Cant wait to see photos as you go, sounds like it will be a stunner :bounce: