Can a filterfalls be covered?

[joesandy1822]

Is there anything bad or harmful in covering a filterfalls, either with real rocks, flagstones, or a fake rock? I thought I read somewhere that the sun needs to shine on the water. Sorry if this is a totally dumb question, but I've learned to swallow my pride and ask anyway. My particular filterfalls has a tray over top of the media where I could put rocks. See http://www.webbsonline.com/Item/Big...rfalls-00217?gclid=CJCjwdne-7cCFQyg4AodsVQA9g.

I thought about planting hyacinth or watercress in it, but after reading how the roots oftentimes creep into the media and cause problems, I decided against it.

Thanks for any help AGAIN.

Sandy

 

[fishin4cars]

It can be covered, It would be best not to place anything directly on the plate holding the media down. Better to cover the whole filter fall unit, Something that can easily be removed for maintaince, the harder it is to move the less likely you will check it as needed. darkness actually is suppose to grow a better bacteria colony from some things I have read years ago. adding a oxygen source such as a air stone in the bottom of the unit also helps brow a stronger Bio colony and reduces the chances of clogging and channeling in the filter itself.

 

[addy1]

Sorry if this is a totally dumb question, but I've learned to swallow my pride and ask anyway.

Sandy

No question is dumb, that is the only way we can learn what to do. Ask away

 

[sissy]

better to have the plants in your filter they suck up stuff and shade the filter .I have plants in both my filters and it helps clean the water .

 

[fishin4cars]

Not a good idea putting plants in a filter fall, Once they start growing they cause stagnant areas in the filter which can cause places for bad bacteria to grow and it will reduce even flow over the good bacteria. Better to have the plants growing in a bog or in the stream bed and allow the filter to work as designed.

 

[sissy]

so far never had a problem with that and have had plants in my filters for years now .Maybe it is just how the filter is built that matters.Mine the water comes in the top and goes up the pipe from the bottom and then out to the pond .Not sure if that makes a difference but my water has always been pretty good .No fish lost
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