Filter Exit Above The Water?

[cramage]

Ive got a nice new tank but the filter suplied with it has the water coming out the top. The instructions say this must be above the waterline. So I take it its going to be like a waterfall into the top of the tank.

I want to have tropical fish. Is this type of filter meant for tropicals or goldfish?

Im thinking I might have to buy another filter. The tank is in my bedroom so I want it to be as quiet as possible. I presume this will mean underwater. Plus I want whatever is right for the fish, i presume they will like a nice underwater current rather than a waterfall?

Cheers.

 

[voo]

I have a similar filter on one of my tanks. the pump draws the water up the tube, then the water passes through a bucket with a sponge in, then another with ceramics in, then out via a waterfall.

I always fill my water up high enough so that the water outlet is below the waterline. makes it a lot quieter and it still gives good water movement.

the only problem i get is when feeding the fish, the water outlet pushes the food down when it comes over the waterfall, so a lot of it falls to the bottom

edit: btw i keep tropicals. the filter should be fine for tropical fish, but what filter media have you got? Just remember to cycle the tank fully.

 

[MtbGirl]

Hmm... we have a waterfall effect from my son's filter... I guess we need to add more water to make this "disappear" ?? I wasn't sure if we should fill up the tank so high.

 

[beds]

dont think this makes a difference, big external filters have spray bars which spray water back onto the surface.
the current in my tank looks good

 

[andywg]

having the water flow into the tank from a height increases the dissolved oxygen through increased gas exchange and is a very wise idea in summer (more heat=less oxygen).

 

[Nina]

The filter will be fine for tropical fish.

By having the filter outlet above the water line you will increase the surface agitition and therefore the oxygen levels