Canister Filter Problem

[maybrc]

Hi there! I am new to this forum but not new to the hobby. I just started a new tank that has a canister (Fluval) fitler next to it. In the past, I have always placed canister filters well below the aquarium. This aquarium, however is on a shelf that is solid. The only place to put it is on the side of the tank. I am having very slow water flow and am guessing it is because it is not low enough. The top of the valves on top of the canister are slightly above the water level. I am wondering what you guys think. This is a 36 bowfront. An alternative I thought about was using two biowheel filters. I welcome comments and suggestions. I hate not to use the canister filter, but since it is gravity fed, I feel it will never work efficiently where it is now.

Thanks so much for advice!!

 

[waterdrop]

You've already correctly diagnosed your own problem. The pump head needs to be below the tank surface, in fact there is usually an ideal range, not too high, not too low. Too high, as you've found out and the intake siphoning is too slow. Filter too low and the pump head may have trouble getting the water back up to the tank.

I assume you've thought hard about whether you could drill a strategic hole in the shelf.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[rabbut]

As both you and waterdrop have pointed out, the issue is the positioning. I'd get the fillter primed off the shelf below the tank, and then run the filter on it's side to get the motor head below the water line (after priming has completed and all the air is cleared) It's worth a try, and if it doesn't work, do as Waterdrop surgests and drill a strategic hole in the shelf to allow the pipes to get under the shelf, without compromising it's structural integrety

HTH
Rabbut

 

[maybrc]

You've already correctly diagnosed your own problem. The pump head needs to be below the tank surface, in fact there is usually an ideal range, not too high, not too low. Too high, as you've found out and the intake siphoning is too slow. Filter too low and the pump head may have trouble getting the water back up to the tank.

I assume you've thought hard about whether you could drill a strategic hole in the shelf.

~~waterdrop~~

Thanks. I figured that was true but wanted a second opinion. Any suggestions about alternative filters?
Unfortunately, there is no way to put the canister lower.

 

[waterdrop]

One of our experts, Colin, likes AquaClear HOB (Hang On Back) filters. I believe they have a bit more simplicity in their compartments to allow for customization of media materials and I believe they come in fairly large versions. They are rarely as quiet as cannisters.

 

[maybrc]

As both you and waterdrop have pointed out, the issue is the positioning. I'd get the fillter primed off the shelf below the tank, and then run the filter on it's side to get the motor head below the water line (after priming has completed and all the air is cleared) It's worth a try, and if it doesn't work, do as Waterdrop surgests and drill a strategic hole in the shelf to allow the pipes to get under the shelf, without compromising it's structural integrety

HTH
Rabbut

I was afraid to try that but will now. Thanks!!!