Filtration Flow - 2 X Canisters

[Marc]

Hi guys,

Question for you all ... what is the best flow / configuration when running 2 x Canisters in a large tank?

I have attached a pic of the current setup, but I'm thinking that the canisters should either flow in opposite directions or better still, both canisters suction at one end, and both returning to the other end?

What do you think?

[attachment=2114:tank_fluvals.jpg]

I have 3 x air driven sponge filters also, but I'm concerned about a dead zone in the middle of the tank. Was even considering adding a powerhead just to push water through the middle of the tank?

[joz]

Marc,I like the thought of having the inlets on one end and the outlets the opposing end.This way all the sediment flows towards the inlets to be sucked up.
But,this may also depend on the current they cause,will it be to strong for the fish?
But I wouldn't worry about still zones in the middle of the tank unless its a marine tank with corals.

[leongross]

Heather always had the tanks set up with in and out at either end for the same reason that Joz mentions. Doesn&#39;t matter how many filters you have&#33; If the current looks like it may be too strong, you can diffuse the output too. Always make sure you have a grille over the intake, we lost one once when it was forgotten http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Marc]

I just went to Bunnings and bought some more hose / fittings etc to try the inlets at one end and the outlets at opposing end. I don&#39;t suspect there will be too much current from this system, but I&#39;ll let you know in a couple of hours&#33; http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[matt_Frontosa]

Yeh the way you got it pictured looks alright, have the outlet facing towards each other so they shoot the debris toward each other so it gets sucked up in the inlet.

[Marc]

Well I&#39;ve swapped it over now so they both suck from one end and outlet the other. Obviously no immediate signs of anything in particular, but it certainly sits better in my head knowing there is a circulation now.

[Marc]

OK a big update on this&#33;

I did all the changes but it seemed like there was little flow so nothing really gained.

I then did some thinking and realised that the outlet hoses were WAY too long and the pumps were struggling to pump up the head and return to tank. So if anything this was probably a negative impact.

This morning after thinking some more I did away with the whole 2 x cannister filter ideas and thought it was time for an upgrade.

Fluval FX5 now sits in place under the tank with inlet on one end and outlet right up the other. Very happy with the performance so far and I can say filtration appears more effective already just through water visibility. A costly but worthwhile upgrade IMO. Just have to hope the filter doesn&#39;t break down when I&#39;m absent now with only the one filter unit.

http://www.bluefish.com.ve/novedades/fluvalfx5.png

[leongross]

OK a big update on this&#33;

I did all the changes but it seemed like there was little flow so nothing really gained.

I then did some thinking and realised that the outlet hoses were WAY too long and the pumps were struggling to pump up the head and return to tank. So if anything this was probably a negative impact.

This morning after thinking some more I did away with the whole 2 x cannister filter ideas and thought it was time for an upgrade.

Fluval FX5 now sits in place under the tank with inlet on one end and outlet right up the other. Very happy with the performance so far and I can say filtration appears more effective already just through water visibility. A costly but worthwhile upgrade IMO. Just have to hope the filter doesn&#39;t break down when I&#39;m absent now with only the one filter unit.[/b]

Nothing like spending some &#036;&#036;&#036; on a sexy looking filter. These have come a long way by the looks of it&#33; Well done Marc. Tell me, do you have to undo those nuts around the edge just to get it open?

[Marc]

You sure do Leon, but it&#39;s no biggie and I have peace of mind that there&#39;s a good seal there&#33;

I have to say, a big thumbs up from me for the Fluval FX5. Never before has my water been so clear and the pump is totally silent&#33; Great purchase&#33;

[Sloory]

Hi Marc, thats good to hear about the fx5 as i&#39;ve been wondering what to use when i set up my 6x2x2 next month.
Maybe you could still use one of your old canisters as a back up?

[Marc]

Yeah I had to pull out one of the Fluval 403&#39;s as a backup when my little Fluval (205) had some problems the other night.

Definately handy having spare canisters around&#33; http://www.thefishtank.com.au/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Sloory]

Back ups like that are good, i have a spare ehiem 2222.

But i mean&#39;t you could run one of your spare along with the fx5 in case something (god forbid) happend to it.