Aquarium Filtration & Flow

Aquarium filtration for planted tanks: flow rates, filter media, surface agitation, and how equipment shapes plant health. Set the tank up properly first.

Which Type of Aquarium Filter Should You Choose? Canister vs HOB vs Internal vs Undergravel

Which Type of Aquarium Filter Should You Choose? Canister vs HOB vs Internal vs Undergravel

Five filter types, one real question: which suits how hard your tank runs? We compare canister, HOB, internal, sump and undergravel filters on media capacity, flow and CO2 compatibility - and clear up the myths around activated carbon and cleaning schedules so you can match the filter to your planted tank.

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Guide to filter media for planted tanks

Guide to filter media for planted tanks

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

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Should I bother cycling a planted tank before planting? Introducing the dark start.

Should I bother cycling a planted tank before planting? Introducing the dark start.

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

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Tank cycling and biological maturity in planted aquariums

Tank cycling and biological maturity in planted aquariums

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

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Planted tank with no filter ?

Planted tank with no filter ?

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.

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6 features of an ideal planted tank filter

6 features of an ideal planted tank filter

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

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Activated Carbon, purigen, are these useful for planted tanks?

Activated Carbon, purigen, are these useful for planted tanks?

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

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Oase Biomaster 300 Dissection

Oase Biomaster 300 Dissection

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

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Small tanks can be impactful too

Small tanks can be impactful too

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.

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