Sarah wrote:

I just got a new 30 gallon tank from an aquaintence that I want to try
planting. I've tried to read up on planted tanks, but seeing as I'm
new to this - only had a few tanks for about a year - I'd like some
advice on what kind of filter to buy for this tank.

I've been thinking about the eheim ecco, since someone I know
suggested it but I can't find it online anywhere.

Thanks.

I've got a 23ish gallon tank (15x12x36"), was moderately planted but
these days probably heavily, the way the plants have taken over... I use
an eheim classic external cannister on the tank. Was debating one of
the pro series with adjustable flow rate, and still half wish I had. I
don't think this 'planted tanks need a much slower turnover' is actually
all that accurate - mine has a fair old turnover rate (can't recall the
exact size of filter I have) and quite a heavy fish load too and the
plants are happy as larry (oh, and I have a million snails in there too,
and still have plants).

All a bit fluffy really, so possibly not all that much help. I like the
eheim filter I have, very quiet, very hassle-free - though I've heard
things about the ecco regarding problems getting it re-primed or leaking
that made me think it wasn't the best one for me.

Velvet