Overhead filter

blue_francis14 · 12-10-2008, 08:28 PM

Has anyone used an overhead filter? I am currently using a box filter on my 15 gallon tank. I am thinking of replacing my current filter because I feel that the air pump is not adequate enough to get a good flow. Not to mention the amount filter media I can put in on an overhead filter would be greater than the one in my box filter.

I am thinking of upgrading my air pump to have a stronger current going to my box filter but the problem is that the capacity for the filter media is still small.

Any feedback would be great. Thanks.

Jay · 12-10-2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Has anyone used an overhead filter?

Not quite sure what that is...

Jay

blue_francis14 · 12-10-2008, 10:52 PM

Just as I thought. No wonder when I google it, it only pops on forums in Asia.

It's like placing a rectangular container above the tank. At one end, it's connected to a water pump that pushes water from tank, going the rectangular container, where it then pass through the filter medium and at the other end is a hole or where the water goes back to the tank.

Here are some pictures:

RJRofFL · 12-26-2008, 09:16 PM

Hi blue_francis14.

With a 15 gal tank, IMO you would be better off with a HOB (hang on back) filter in which you place filter media pads. I don't know the cost of a "overhead filter" or it's advantages for that size tank, but there are a good number of HOB filters available at at decent price range.

Bob

muffineatsfish · 01-23-2009, 10:27 PM

ok im confused waht is filter media, and why would you want that in your filter?

muffineatsfish · 01-24-2009, 12:44 AM

also the black box the plants r in on that picture is that a filter media.

blue_francis14 · 02-19-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJRofFL

Hi blue_francis14.
With a 15 gal tank, IMO you would be better off with a HOB (hang on back) filter in which you place filter media pads. I don't know the cost of a "overhead filter" or it's advantages for that size tank, but there are a good number of HOB filters available at at decent price range.

My local LFS doesn't sell HOBs. Actually, they don't sell HOB type filters here in the Philippines unti very recently. I don't trust them yet and I there are no compartments to place the filter media

Quote:

Originally Posted by muffineatsfish

ok im confused waht is filter media, and why would you want that in your filter?

also the black box the plants r in on that picture is that a filter media.

Ok. I now know what this is called, I think. I think it's called a reverse sump tank?

Anyway, you place the rectangular box above your tank. You can place any filter media you want on that box. The powerhead sucks the water from the water column and the water goes out above the aquarium tank, into the rectangular box where it contains the filter media and in that rectangular box, there is an outlet there where the treated water goes back to the tank.

louistheloach · 02-24-2009, 10:29 AM

muffineatsfish,

filter media is the carbon, or zeolite, or phosphate remover, peat pillow etc......you probably knew that just called it something else.

ltl

louistheloach · 02-24-2009, 10:36 AM

bluefrancis,

Are you not able to order things on line since you cant get them at your lfs.....for that size of a tank, something like a tetra whisper 30 (for a thirty gallon) seems like it would be adequate. they are easy to work with, the top lifts off and the filter media slides into its slot. Easy to maintain. Also Drs Foster Smith carry a generic carbon filter media that is a better design than the whisper's design, for less money. I have had one on my 10 gallon and am satisfied with it.

ltl