External Filter Help

[keithsizer]

Hi all, hope your well?

I'm looking to buy a new 480 litre, custom build tank. Was planning to keep it on the floor, as it'd be a good height for me to get to (I'm in a wheelchair). Was wondering if it'd be able to keep two external filters on the floor with it? The tank will be 24" (61cm) in height. Only ever seen the external filters kept below the tank. If you know any that will be ok, or if you have one, what is it? Would you recommend it?

Thank you

It's 380 litres, not 480.

 

[mattlee]

ive known people to do what you suggest and get away with it however the filters wont run to the full capacity and extra strain will be put on the powerhead. the idea behind having them below the tank is so the powerhead isnt under too much strain and gravity can help to pull the water into the filter. you might also get trapped air in the filter when priming as it cant escape very easy from the canister as the pipes will be kind of horizontal instead of vertical. you will also have 1 very short pipe and 1 very long pipe instead of 2 equal length pipes unless you run 2 filters, 1 at each end of the tank. equal length and shorter pipes again will cause the filter to flow better.

 

[keithsizer]

I was think of having 1 at each end. Don't want to sound too silly, but how will it affect the length of pipe? Also, are there any external filters that don't rely so much on gravity?

 

[mattlee]

I was think of having 1 at each end. Don't want to sound too silly, but how will it affect the length of pipe? Also, are there any external filters that don't rely so much on gravity?

1 at each end will mean you have very similar sized pipes which is good. if a pipe is too long the filter has to push the water further before it enters the tank. there are always max pipe lengths given on filter instructions.

as far as i know all externals run in the same way and are ideally placed under the tank but as i said before i know people that in the past have done as you are planning and it was fine.

 

[fluttermoth]

I've known people do this too; the only thing that's really important is that the filters are never left on if the water level is below the top of the filter; so you'll have to remember to switch them off for water changes etc.

 

[keithsizer]

Thanks for your help. As the tank is quite tall, hopefully that'll help. I also wanted a UV filter, I'm guessing that'd complicate things further?

 

[Aqua Tom]

The best thing to do would be to raise the tank maybe 6-12" from the floor, this will aid the gravity feed to the filters no end. If this is not an option because of your being in a wheelchair then maybe some great big HoB's would be the way forward.

That tank sound terrific, whatever you decide its gona look awsome.


Tom.

 

[fluttermoth]

The best thing to do would be to raise the tank maybe 6-12" from the floor

Personally, I'd do this and have a slightly shallower tank. My mum's tank is 24" deep and it's a PITA to work on, and we're both able-bodied.
The APS external filters come with UV filtration already fitted, but you don't really need it IMO; it doesn't really have any benefits in freshwater tanks.