Filter's Digging a Hole in the Sand

[OgreMkV]

Well, I've hit upon the problem in my tank. The wash from the outflow of the filter is pushing a lot of sand into the water column. There's a nice hole that's been dug by the filter, unfortunately, it's uprooted one of my plants.

I have two potential solutions and I will do the first, then the second if the first doesn't work.

1) Put a big pile of heavy gravel under the outflow. Hopefully, this will break up the water flow and quit pushing sand all over the place. If that doesn't work because the gravel gets pushed too... then

2) I'm calling the local stone counter supply center and getting some granite cast-offs and making a buffer shelf for the filter with some GE silicone.

Any thoughts?

 

[legendaryfrog]

I have a filter output near the pea sized gravel in my tank and it never is affected by the the flow. And for your information, this is an eheim 2217, which has a flow-rate somewhere around 250 GPH.

 

[ct-death]

A large decoration(s) will help out and fucntion just as well as a stone. However, most filters have an adjustable outflow and/or angle that can be manipulated...what model filter?

 

[OgreMkV]

It's an xP3 and the fish LOVE the flow. Everyone goes surfing near bedtime.

 

[ct-death]

I think that filter is rated for something like 200G tank, which isn't a bad thing, but the GPH are going to be very high. You can simply adjust the outlets - for example direct them agianst the glass under the surface, increase your outflow pipes, adjust the flow w/ the adaptor, etc., etc.

 

[rwilliams254]

Build a custom outlet.

 

[Nolapete]

Either put a T or 90 on the end or the outflow regulator and a spraybar.

 

[OgreMkV]

I have the spray bar on it.

 

[Star_Rider]

Either put a T or 90 on the end or the outflow regulator and a spraybar.

good idea
adding extra outlets will help diffuse the output.

 

[jm1212]

is your output aimed at the substrate or right next to it? try moving it so the water flows out to the middle or top of the tank.