Iv had my 'new' 2ft tank for aages now, managed to Finally get hold of a stand for it.

I've decided to go with the external filter but I don't know wether I need to buy a new one or not. The filter I have is the eheim ecco, for up to 130 liters/35 gallons and pumps 500 lph/127 gph.

My tank's volume is approximately 4,320.0 cubic inches or 18.7 U.S. gallons, which is approximately 72.7 liters

Is this filter too fast/powerful??


Also, keeping it external means I can use my external heater too, less 'junk' in my tank!


Now, I have just ordered a 3D background, it says you just cut it down to size and that you can cut channels in the back for wires etc. So, can I just cut a channel all the way down with a wee hole (which will be siliconed after) for my air pump - purely for decortaion and the only 'junk' in my tank.

Also, can I cut channels for the external filter tubes and just have the ends of them exposed?


Its going to have natural gravel and maybe some stones, and lots of green plants- mix of live and fake.

Then will be having one plec (havent decided beteen BN and bulldog) and some neons.

So I want to keep it simple and hopefully looking good!

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Do you have the newer Ecco Pro 130 or the older 2232 equivalent? The flow rate of the Ecco Pro filters is variable by a means of adjusting the taps on the double inlet and outlet tap unit to which the green hoses are connected.

High flow rates can result in excess surface agitation, which in turn can drive off CO2 required by live plants. However, surface agitation increases gas exchange at the surface; increasing the DO (dissolved oxygen) content of the water.

At its highest output of 500lph, your filter is providing a total tank volume turnover of approximately 6-7 times per hour, which is not too high or excessive by any means. You can adjust the position of the filter outlet so you have just a gentle ripple at the surface.

umm I think its the 2232... iv thrown away the box haha.

yeah Id prob have the outlet at the bottom also, Im probably going for another bulldog and Im sure I remember being told they like cooler faster flowing water?? (or I might be completely wrong haha)

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i have the 3D background- its really good for the little fish i have that eat the algae off it! more interesting for them!

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Does it say 'Ecco Pro' on the top of the grey lid? In either case, both of the Ecco variants should have two adjustable taps to which the green hoses are connected.

not had a look yet, its in a box somewhere.
duhh.. stoopid me of course it has taps.. to turn the water off so u can disconect it haha
thanks x

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