Is a backdrop filter better than an external filter

[dashadoo]

Hi there, I am thinking about purchasing a 650 litre tank that has a "backdrop" Sump as part of the whole unit. Would this be better than using an external filter. Thankyou in advance for any comments. Regards, Dashadoo

[joz]

Sorry for the late reply.

Whether its better or not is up to the user.They both have thire pros and cons.

depending on the backdrop filter if it can be air driven for the uplifts, they become very economical to drive.
Air is cheaper than power heads.But some may prefer power heads to really generate some water flow and current.
They won't leak externaly because they are in the tank,also they don't require any extra hoses or clamps.

Some back drops are simply a partition with wool (my preference) others try to become mimi trickle filters.

They are quite eay to clean, just turn off the punps and pull out the media(I only ever used dacron wool)


I really like them, but alot of people may not like to see their filter if its a display tank.

But because external fliters can be hidden away is a plus for many.
They are easier to remove for cleaning without disturbing the tank in any way.
they don't take up any of the valuble realestate in the tank.

As I said both have their pros and cons.

When I had a fish room all my tanks had partioned inbuilt filters, all air driven by two large air pumps.
My main display has multiple cannisters.

[dashadoo]

Hi Mate, Thank you for the valuable information. I have posted a video of the tank i am thinking of buying it can be viewed at the following url
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgQ2ExHZIYk

I was wondering if you could have a look Joz and give me any advice on how to set it up. The guy i am buying it from can't remember how it was set up?

I currently have a 250lt tank with two eheim filters, a 2217 classic and a 2234 ecco. The tank has "community" freshwater fish. Silver sharks, bristlenose, orange gouramis, etc. The problem i have is that the sharks and gouramis are getting too big for the this tank.

I believe that the new tank (6 x 2 x 2 including the backdrop sump) is air driven for the uplifts, like you have said.

I have no experience in these types of filters so your advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks Dashadoo

[joz]

No probs.that tank will work a treat.

All that needs to be done is to fill the back part with dacron wool.
But buy it from some where like a Spotlight store and not an aquarium, its much cheaper from them.

You'll just need either one very strong air pump or a few smaller ones in your case.

[dashadoo]

Thanks again for the great advice Joz.

How would the water get into the back sump, and then back into the tank?

There are 4 pvc pipes at the top of the sump and tank. I don't quite understand how it will work as all the pvc pipes are the same height. Do i pump water into the sump and then the air hoses ( coming from the top of the pvc pipes in the sump) help to pump the water back into the tank.

There is no additional inlets/outlets anywhere else between the backdrop sump and the tank.

I know it is the Xmas period, so i thank you for your replies.

Regards, Dashadoo

[joz]

No probs.

If you have a closer look at the backdrop you will notice that they are made of two plates of glass close together.
The water enters the filter through a narrow gap between the two plates, then the air lifts the water up and out of the PVC pipes back into the tank.

You can see them working if the air pumps are on and the water level is just under the level of the PVC pipes.
This way you will see water pouring into the tank.
Once you raise the water level above the pipes you can't see the water erntering but onlt the air bubbles.

[dashadoo]

Hi Joz,

Thank you very much...your explanation sorts things out! I appreciate all your help with this matter. Have a good 2010.

Dashadoo

[dashadoo]

Hi Joz

I have got the tank and i bought the wool. Do i pack it in tight or loose mate.

Regards,

Dashadoo

[joz]

Get as much as you can in but don't try to pack it too tight.

[dashadoo]

Hi Joz,

Thanks for the reply. I have set up the filter with 2 of the strongest air pumps the shop had. I have each pump with 2 outlets going into each of the PVC pipes, 1x pump 2x airline into 2x pvc pipes. I have the airline running from the top into the pvc pipe and down to about 5 cm from the bottom of the pvc pipe. All of the pvc pipes are extracting water into the main tank but it is not as fast as i thought it would be. Is it normal to run pretty slow? I have posted a video at the following url.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkEPluJVKfI

Could you advise if this is a normal flow rate please.

Also is it normal that when the water drops to a certain level the filter will not pump back into the tank? Even though the filter is about 3/4 full of water.

Thanks heaps for your help Joz.

Dashadoo

[joz]

Hi Dash,
I think its all looking great.
The water flow is very good IMO.Perhaps you were hoping for more of a jet of water ?
But believe me what you have is really good especially because each outlet is putting out water.
But just remember that it you did have that amount of water coming out of a half inch pipe instead of a one and a half inch it would look more powerful.Any how you have plenty of filter turn over without the turbulance atm.

But yes if your water level does drop quite low the air uplift will run out of puff trying to lift the water that high above the existing water level.

But don't be afraid of pulling up the airline a couple of inches, it may help improve the water flow a bit more as the air isn't struggling to get so far down into the tank.This way it may actually lift more water.

Also you can top up the tank till the outlets are all under water,but you'll only see bubbles that way instead of an actual flow of water.You'll get more water flow this way as well.

[dashadoo]

Hi Joz,

Thanks for the great info again. I have another issue that i could use some

advice on. My little fish, Tetra, rummy nose, are all in the backdrop filter. can

i fill the substrate above the joining of the glass at the bottom of the

tank/filter? or will this decrease the water going into the filter? Or should i put

some mesh or something at the bottom joining.

I am going to Japan on Thursday so i would love to find a solution to this

before i go.

Thank you very much for all your help.

Regards,

Dashadoo

[joz]

Yea those back drops aren't to friendly towards little fish and fry.
Some people have put nylon mesh (fly screen)along the total length of the filter.But that has to be siliconed in before the water is added.
Others have tried gently putting in some course sponge with varying degrees of success.
These fliters are generally best for larger fish.

[dashadoo]

Hi Mate,

What i have done is put the 2 heaters in the main tank now and packed the

wool more firmly in the filter. It is now completely full and seems to be

blocking any small fish getting in. Will this affect the flow of water going into

the filter?

I won't be able to monitor this as i am in Japan for 10 days.

Would this cause the water to overflow onto my floor for example?

Cheers again Joz.

Regards,

Dash

[joz]

It more than likely will slow down the water flow,but even at a slow trickle it should be fine with so many water outlets.
So with so much wool I'm sure the water level has dropped inside your filter area,but as long as you don't get too much evaporation while your gone it should be fine.
You may need to keep an eye on the tank overflowing if it is filled really high as the filter empties abit but generally I'd be suprised if it would overflow.

[dashadoo]

Hi Joz,

I am wondering if i can put the substrate above where the bottom of the backdrop filter starts. Then the little fish can't get in between the glass panes and swim into the back.

Would this still let enough water into the back?

Cheers Mate.

Dashadoo

[joz]

It shouldn't be an issue, just be aware that any muck will get caught by the substrate not the filter media.