New 20l + Fluval 107

Getting ready to set up a 20L and filter it with a Fluval 107 canister. From what I see online, the stock intake / output is the same for this filter as all the other '06 and '07 filters.

I've read that some people like to do a spray bar set-up for the output of a canister to help with current and to help aerate the water.

I was just curious if there is any real benefit to the spray bar vs the stock Fluval output, or if it is really just user preference.

As of right now, I am not planning on keeping any very small fish in this tank, nor any small shrimp (I do have Amano shrimp, but not small ones). I'd still like to put a pre-filter sponge on the intake, so any direction / advice on which sponge works best, would be much appreciated.

Lat question, I will be using the ceramic media from my current HOB filters to stock this canister. I am currently using the Fluval Bio-Max media in the little bags, designed for the Spec line of tanks (pic of media below). Is there any reason to move to a completely new media for the 107? Or is the media I have now plenty good?

BTW, yes, I've watched "Pond Guru", so I know about the different bacterial, stages of filtration, etc. He recommends the Eheim Substrat Pro for the 106 / 107 as it is small pieces, and can fit a lot. Not sure how my Fluval ceramic stacks up to the Substrat Pro.

Thanks!

 

After researching more, I am wondering if my 107 is too small for a 20 Long. The 107 is on its way to me now, so I still have time to return and buy a 207.

Thoughts?

 

Nope, you are fine. The 207 is about 206 gph which is perfect for a 20 gallon tank. You want about 8x+ turnover and you have 10.

 

Nope, you are fine. The 207 is about 206 gph which is perfect for a 20 gallon tank. You want about 8x+ turnover and you have 10.

I think you may have mis-read. I have a 107 on it's way, but think that I may need to get a 207 instead.

The 107 has a claimed 145 GPH and claims its good for 10 to 30 gallons.

The 207 has a claimed 206 GPH and claims it's good for 20 to 45 Gallons

 

I think you may have mis-read. I have a 107 on it's way, but think that I may need to get a 207 instead.

The 107 has a claimed 145 GPH and claims its good for 10 to 30 gallons.

The 207 has a claimed 206 GPH and claims it's good for 20 to 45 Gallons

Yes, sorry I misread. I agree you need the 207 for better deficiency. But the 107 will work.

 

Congrats on the new 20 long build.

You should be able to move the current media right over to the new filter.

As for a pre-filter, there are many choices available.

I happen to use ATI Filter Max III's.

I have fit them to all sorts of filters: different models of Aquaclears, Top Fin Silentstreams and even an FX4.

They will fit almost any intake tube that is round.

At most, you may have to wrap some plumber's teflon tape around the pipe will make the fitting snug.

Here are some pics....

ATI Filter Max III on an Aquaclear 70

• Islandvic
• Sep 7, 2019

ATI Filter Max III pre-filter on FX4 intake tube

• Islandvic
• Aug 12, 2019

ATI's coarse "pro" sponge, approx 4" tall x 2.75" wide. Larger ATI foam sponges will fit. A...

FX4 intake w/ ATI Filter Max- III pre-filter

• Islandvic
• Aug 12, 2019

 

A 207 as a single filter would be better for a 20L.

You can keep the 107 and add another HoB or sponge filter at the other corner of the 107 output to ensure more flow and surface agitation. That would be what I'd do. Having two filters is also safer if one fails.