Tank & Filter

This page explores the main differences between ceramic media and sponge filter media, and pros and cons of each.

Detailed steps to cycle your tank. We cover the 'old' method and today's fishless cycling with plants.

What does the term 'tank cycling' actually mean? Here we cover the biological basis of the term.

It is possible to run a planted tank without a filter. However lets look at why using a filter is generally still recommended in a fully functional planted tank.

This is what I consider the current best filter for planted tanks.

What do water polishers do? Do they inadvertently remove beneficial nutrients?

The german brand Oase makes solid filters. We love their Biomaster series (BioMaster Thermo 250/300/600) and here we dissect the Biomaster 300.

How big a tank should I go for? If this is your first tank, smaller is not necessarily limiting. Here are some examples of great 'small' or nano planted tanks ranging from 7 gallons to 10 gallons.

Sponges or ceramic media - which one comes first? This article explores layering principles for filter media.

As plants do not move (unlike animals), they depend on flow to bring air and nutrients to them. Good flow is hugely impactful, yet challengingly 'invisible'. 

What to look for when buying a filter? Look beyond the marketing hype to evaluate these critical features...

Do starter bacteria culture actually work?