External Filter Question

[mnewsholme]

I'm in process of setting up a second tank. My main tank has an external filter and works well. whilst new tank is only 95l, I'd like to put an external filter on it too to keep it looking uncluttered. Question is does an external filter have to be below tank or can it be at same level ( actually above tank would be even better). I see mention of maximum distance it can be below tank in specifications but no mention of it being same height or higher.

Cheers matt

 

[Ch4rlie]

Sounds like a Hang On Back (HOB) filter would fit your requirements if you do not want a filter below the tank if no space in a cabinet or stand etc, as this HOB would fit on the tank itself at the back or on side.
 
But to answer your question about external filter being at same or above tank level height.
Have to say I think most external canister filters are best below tank level really as the pump inside the filter works best.

 

[mnewsholme]

Tank came with a HOB filter but TBH it looks a bit weedy. Access to back and sides of tank from above is restricted so going to be difficult cleaning filters with a HOB or internal filter. There's a row of kitchen cupboards immediately above tank. Think I'm gonna end up making a hinged hatch in bottom of one of cupboards to give me enough access from above for cleaning and maintenance TBH

Matt

 

[Ch4rlie]

aha
 
Seems a small external canister is the answer if you don't like HOB's , ok, but how you planning to connect the hoses if in a cupboard about the tank as well as power supply for the filter etc. 

 

[mnewsholme]

Space is available for hoses going into tank and power into cupboard isn't a problem. It's just access to withdraw filter cartridge for cleaning that's an issue as they usually come out vertically. Was thinking if I could use a external I wouldn't need access to back side of tank and could just make a hatch over front two thirds or so of tank for cleaning/maintenance purposes. If external isn't going to like being higher then I'll just go with HOB and make access hatch deeper to allow me to access filter.

Matt

 

[Ch4rlie]

Found a thread from this forum saying external filter above the tank may not work - 
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/371559-keeping-external-filter-above-or-at-same-level-as-tank/
 
Also some answers from a google search , have copied and pated some quotes as follows -
 
"When the filter is placed higher, the water flow will be decreased significantly, where as with it being beneath the tank, the water flow will increase. For Rene the filter HAS to be at least 2 feet below the tank to even function properly."
 

--------------------------​

 
"It depends on the water level. The canisters work on a siphon basis in part, so the rules of the siphon apply to the functionality of the canister filter.  
If the canister is taller than the aquarium they do not work very well, if at all. I have never tried personally, but logic dictates that the siphon would not work, or work in reverse, thus impeding the desired flow in the canister filter. 

If the water level in the aquarium is above the top of the canister, the filter will work, but not to its full potential, and it is depend on the difference between the two water levels. If the top of the water level in the aquarium is several feet above the canister it will work better as opposed to just a few inches. 

So, for best results the top of the canister filter should be below the bottom of the aquarium, but at a minimum it should be below the water level of the aquarium."
 
https/answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100601115820AALVpEV

 

[fluttermoth]

Most externals filters do need to be below the tank, as they only pump one way (usually the 'out' part), the other works on a syphon (usually the 'in' side).
 
(Hope that makes sense!)
 
Ah, Ch4rlie got there first

 

[mnewsholme]

Hmm. Think you've convinced me. Will stick with HOB and just make sure I can get access. May have a look around and see if I can find a better quality HOB than one supplied with tank though

Cheers matt

 

[Ch4rlie]

Most filters that are supplied with set up at LFS do tend to be a bit on the cheap side or bare minimum for the tank.
 
I personally use a HOB on my current tank, a Marina S15 with the normal cartridges taken out and replaced with media of my choosing, works perfectly well and have had no issues in the past 6 months or so.
 
Also have another tank, currently empty, have ordered a Fluval C3 HOB for that tank as space is limited and cannot use the cupboard, for an external, the tank is sitting on, awaiting delivery but hopefully its good.