Internal vs HOB Filters

[Viciente]

Okay, thanks to you guys, I think I've got the lighing thing figured out...

Now I have a Penguin Biowheel filter. I want to plant my tank successfully and have thriving plantlife, but I've read that Biowheel type filters allow a lot of Co2 to escape...

Should I move to an internal type filter? Something line an Eheim Aquaball- 2210? or should I stick with my BioWheel and just focus more on Co2 Injection?

Again, thanks for all your help and advice in advance... *BOUNCINGS

- Viciente

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My Tank:
20G Aquarium
GEOsystem Natural gravel.
Marineland Penguin Biowheel HOB Filter
18" AquaGLO 15W Flourescent Bulb
Hagen Co2 PlantGRO Natural System
Driftwood
Medium/Large Smooth Stones
2 x Dwarf Grouamis
2 x Ottos
3 x Lemon Tetras
7 x Neon Tetras
Java Ferns

 

[Lotus]

I would say just add more CO2, that way, your fish will be safer. You can have high CO2 and high O2 in a tank, which is good for both fish and plants. Unless you're 100% sure your plants will oxygenate sufficiently and that at night your CO2 won't overdose, it's a good idea to have some surface agitation.

 

[timisu87]

Better to be safe than to be sorry. Leave some surface agitation because if the CO2 malfunctions your fish may be in danger. *DRUMMER*

 

[echoofformless]

Yeah, and besides it's not like surface agitation doesn't add co2 to the tank anyway. After all, what do you think all of that plant life living in the open air is breathing? So naturally, any exchange between water and air is going to introduce co2 among other compounds and elements.