Filter Help

[Aqua Marine]

I have been running a 120l tank off an internal filter but it just doesn't cut it so I am now looking to use an old filter from one of my old tanks.

The filter in question is an external 'Hydor Prime 30 Filter' which technically speaking should be running a tank between 200 and 450l. However due to the small sized tank I am wanting to put the filter into I need to find a way to reduce flow-rate/ power of the filter. I have looked into attaching a dimmer switch but they cannot be used on anything less than 40w because they will burn out (the filter is 30w).

I am therefore thinking of adding wool in the actual filter to restrict the flow. Does anyone have any better suggestions/ideas to try?

Cheers,

Krib

 

[mishmash]

wool will definitely slow the flow but also you will need to be cleaning it more regularly than other media types IMO. Some say you can adjust the flow by closing off the return valve slightly. Some do not agree with this and claim it causes back pressure which can cause failure. Personally I think that if you restrict it by not more than say 30% then it ought to be ok. After all some filters like the FX5 and most of the JBL externals actually state you can do this.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Great filter but why do you just a fluval or tetratec that have taps, theres nothing in it for the price

 

[Aqua Marine]

wool will definitely slow the flow but also you will need to be cleaning it more regularly than other media types IMO. Some say you can adjust the flow by closing off the return valve slightly. Some do not agree with this and claim it causes back pressure which can cause failure. Personally I think that if you restrict it by not more than say 30% then it ought to be ok. After all some filters like the FX5 and most of the JBL externals actually state you can do this.

Cheers, I will get some wool tomorrow and see if it makes a difference!

Great filter but why do you just a fluval or tetratec that have taps, theres nothing in it for the price

The filter belonged to my dad who was running it on a 6ft tank and it outperformed expectations so decided to stick with it! I have now adjusted the filter so it is below the tank meaning that the water has to be pushed uphill and aimed my spraybar at the back of the tank so that the glass takes most of the force. Seems to be okay atm but am gonna keep an eye on it!

 

[mishmash]

The filter belonged to my dad who was running it on a 6ft tank and it outperformed expectations so decided to stick with it! I have now adjusted the filter so it is below the tank meaning that the water has to be pushed uphill and aimed my spraybar at the back of the tank so that the glass takes most of the force. Seems to be okay atm but am gonna keep an eye on it!

You could also drill a whole load more holes in the spraybar meaning it wont come out of as few holes and therefore although the return rate will be the same the directional flow will be reduced in your tank. Dont forget you can also drill a hole in the END of the spraybar too so its going to the side a little as well as the direction of the remaining holes

 

[Zikofski]

The filter belonged to my dad who was running it on a 6ft tank and it outperformed expectations so decided to stick with it! I have now adjusted the filter so it is below the tank meaning that the water has to be pushed uphill and aimed my spraybar at the back of the tank so that the glass takes most of the force. Seems to be okay atm but am gonna keep an eye on it!

You could also drill a whole load more holes in the spraybar meaning it wont come out of as few holes and therefore although the return rate will be the same the directional flow will be reduced in your tank. Dont forget you can also drill a hole in the END of the spraybar too so its going to the side a little as well as the direction of the remaining holes

i was going to say if its okay for the fish have the spray bar above water and angle it so when it dose hit water its not that powerfully, someone correct me if i am wrong in saying this is a gd thing pls tho