Fluval 4 + Too Big For Tank

[tenohfive]

**Originally posted in hardware, reposted here due to lack of any response**



I've just set up a 90L (3ft x 1ft x 1ft) tank for dwarf african cichlids, and have just added a Fluval 4+ internal filter.

The filter is massive, I didn't realise it was so big. It stands a couple of inches above the tank - not in itself a problem. I just wondered if the fact the bottom of it is resting on the substrate (play sand) is going to be a problem?

If having the bottom of the filter resting on the substrate is a problem I thought about replacing it with a Fluval 2+, and was wondering if that would be powerful enough?

Cheers
Chris

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i would suspect it could be a problem, not familiar with the 4+ myself, but with internal filters there's usual a bit around the bottom which has gaps in, like a mesh or something like that, where water is drawn in. If this is right on the bottom of the filter and that would be resting on the ground you can see how it wouldn't be able to effectivley pull water through, obviously that's a problem!

 

[maximinimus]

The bottom on the 2+ is just a flat piece of plastic to hold the filter cartridge in place. As long as the slits in the side of the case don't get clogged with substrate then it shouldn't cause any problems.

There is however a problem with the top of the filter sticking out of the water, from my experience the 2+ gets quite warm when the top is out of the water (during water changes the top part with the outlet was slightly above water) Even if it doesn't burn out it will be reducing the life of the filter. for a 90L tank a Fluval 3+ will be more than adequate, with a 700lph turnover, but I think that a 2+ would be pushing it a little at 400lph

For the similar price you pay for the 4+ you could get a Tetratec EX700 or Eheim Classic 2213 Plus External Filter

 

[ox5477]

I would switch to a HOB or an external just for the look. I personally hate seeing a huge filter taking up a part of my tank. I would worry about the heat issues that maximinimus has stated as well...

Ox

 

[tenohfive]

In the long run I intend to switch to an external, but short term I grabbed the Fluval 4+ because I got it cheap (£20-ish I think.) For the time being I've got it sitting at about a 45 degree angle so that the entire unit is submerged-not ideal but it seems to work so far.

Shall see how I go then. In 2 months or so I'll be picking up a 2213 (unless I see something better for cheaper in the meantime.)

 

[shelaghfishface]

i had the same problem on my tank, was well chuffed off and had to go and byy a 3+