filter advice from shop...is it correct????

[Mrmikey]

950lph is likely fine. Even if you only get 1/3 of that then that's 5x turnover. With lower lighting and decent maintenance, lower levels of circulation are acceptable in my experience.

I realise the 10x 'rule' is commonplace - it's a nice round figure for planted tank beginners that will likely have more lighting and spend less time maintaining, so it's a good starting point.

Thats what I thought ill only be using 24w max so should do until i decide to go HC mad and as its going to be mostly moss - should be adequate.
It was a good deal to... i thought..all media included £199, free delivery, next day. That money saved is going to be for some glassware. so really no money saved!

 

[Mrmikey]

Well my new filter has arrived, unwrapped and ready to go.

couple of questions:

1/ all i have is the ADA in there and manzi wood. Should I fill it and start cycling even though there are no plants, probably just the moss tied to some wire mesh. I was going to this for a month until westy gets back and sends me some xmas moss. then i was going to take the wood out and then tie the moss on and scape it properly.

2/ would this process and release of ammonia cause algae outbreak? as plants arent there to absorb the excess and the filter not being mature. I was planning on doing this with no light or just an 11 arcpod.

3/ i actually think it will take ages and ages to get a carpet of moss. I have a bit of glosso left over from my nano, would this grow alright under and 11w, more to the point carpet. I have tried it with an 18w but it just grew upward even tough i trimmed it hard about 4 times. I this tank though its 5cm shorter so would that make the difference?

thanks