Optimal Canister Filter Hose Placement For Corner Tank

[jonchall]

Hello all,

We just purchased a 36 gallon (US) corner tank with the following dimensions: Corner Sides - 24" | Height - 21" | Bowfront ~ 38" - 39". I also purchased a Fluval 305 260 GPH (US). This is my first use of a canister fliter, and I was wondering what the optimal placement of the intake and output hoses would be, or if it really makes a big difference.

Thank in advance for any insight.

Jon

 

[waterdrop]

In my opinion you really just have to play around with placement and see what you get and whether you can seem to make any improvements with different changes. Just about anything is going to set up a rough circular motion with spraybar movement across the top and intake via the bottom tube. One thing I've noted is that if you aim the spraybar toward a bowfront, the stream will narrow at the bowfront and flow down the middle of the curve. What this does is cause the tails of fish swimming by the front to be pushed downward or the fish themselves to actually shoot downwards in the flow. Depending on your point of view this can be entertaining or rather a distraction from the peacefulness of your tank. It looks to me like you will have rather a lot of movement with a flow rate that high, so positioning will make more difference. It will be good for algae avoidance though!

~~waterdrop~~

 

[jonchall]

Thanks for the quick reply ~~waterdrop~~

I had a feeling it would end up being more of a trial and error process, but I believe I will steer clear of the fishy roller coaster.

Thanks again,

Jon

 

[waterdrop]

I've got the fishy roller coaster on our bowfront and haven't ever quite decided how to change it. I keep thinking I'll saw off some of the spraybar so it'll fit along the side of the tank but then I find myself wondering what effect it will have to have fewer holes in the spraybar.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[hakova]

...I keep thinking I'll saw off some of the spraybar so it'll fit along the side of the tank but then I find myself wondering what effect it will have to have fewer holes in the spraybar...

My vote is that the remaining holes will have flow with higher pressure than before, since the system still needs to deliver the same amount of water. Is it any worse or better? I don't know the answer.

 

[OldMan47]

I go with more traditional shaped tanks but gave this a bit of thought. My first trial would be a vertical placement in the only real corner. I would aim the spray bar holes at a point about 4 or 5 inches from a front corner so that the flow would tend to mostly flow around the curved front. By placing the inlet fairly close to the outlet, I would expect to get good water flow around most of the tank and thereby avoid any stagnant areas. This is pure speculation but is where I would start.