Filter Placement

[Deleted member 55926]

I have my filter in the back corner of my tank - which is the best angle for the pump head to be pointing? Do I need it to disturb the surface of as much of the tank as possible?

On a side note, the water flow is creating a sort of fine spray up out of the water - is this OK? It's kind of getting the lights wet; I just wanted to make sure that I don't have the filter too high or something. The nozzle is probably 1.5 or 2 cm under the surface (Fluval 3+).

Also, what is the air flow control piece used for, and what is optimal usage of this?

 

[arobinson1984]

The most common position for an internal filter is at the top of the tank, with the outlet roughly 1-2cm below the surface and spraying horizontally. This will cause the surface to ripple.

Andy

 

[OldMan47]

I have my 4+ about 4 inches below the surface. It still moves lots of water and prevents any stratification in the tank. You do not need to literally put ripples in the surface to prevent stratification, you just need enough flow to ensure there is not a layer of water at the surface that is not being mixed into the main body of water.

 

[shane87]

do fluval 3's hav a venturi thing for the filters ... that would disturb the top when the bubbles rise

 

[Deleted member 55926]

I have my 4+ about 4 inches below the surface.

The air control valve should be kept above the water, the manual said, but I still don't know if I need to use the air control valve or what it's for.

 

[aly_starh]

I have the Duo 2, the air control valve is just above the water level, The flow should ideally be pointed at the tank heater, to evenly disturbute the heated water. On the box it says the valve is for the filter noise suppression.

 

[OldMan47]

I do not install the air inlet device. I am looking for good water flow, not bubbles. The actual water flow will be reduced by the amount of energy that it takes to draw in the air and then expel it from the diffuser. I have run the air thing experimentally a few inches below the surface but decided that I really didn't like it very much. Now it spends all of its time on my spare equipment shelf.