proper location of intake /output hoses

[salmonfly]

Hi all,
I just purchased a canister filter and I'm confused where to locate the intake and output hoses. Should the input hose be placed close to center the tank and the output to one side? There is no mention in the instructions manual. If someone has answer to this I certainly would appreated asap since I neeed to hook this unit today.
Thx,
Scott

 

[Nak]

its really up to you where they go, but generally the intake is always in the back corner of the tank. The output will then go on the other side to push water and debris towards the intake, it can go on the back wall of the tank or on the side wall it really depends on where you want the water to flow, how much surface agitation you want etc

Most glass tanks with lids will have the lids precut at the corner to house the intake and output valves so you dont really have that much of an option.

 

[Rbishop]

Everyone's tank is a bit different and the selected spot often varies on where your decor is placed, since it affects the flow path in your tank. Also, depending on the outlet head design or the use of a spray bar, it is not uncommon to see the inlet and outlet right next to one another. Experiment and see what works best for you.

 

[JamieB]

:dance:"it is not uncommon to see the inlet and outlet right next to one another." Although you may see this set up, not the best IMO. The reason, because your filtering the same water straight from canister filter and defeating the proper usage of the filter. It is best to keep them as far part from each other so that your water flow from outtake hose can force any debris towards the intake hose to give your aquarium constant efficient cleaning.

 

[SubRosa]

:dance:"it is not uncommon to see the inlet and outlet right next to one another." Although you may see this set up, not the best IMO. The reason, because your filtering the same water straight from canister filter and defeating the proper usage of the filter. It is best to keep them as far part from each other so that your water flow from outtake hose can force any debris towards the intake hose to give your aquarium constant efficient cleaning.

This is a common misconception. First of all the intake is generally placed much deeper in the tank. This alone provides enough physical separation. As far as driving debris to the intake a properly sized canister rarely has enough flow to stir up that much detritus. If you want a filter to help much with detritus removal you generally need to supplement flow with a powerhead or closed loop to help keep it in suspension.

 

[JamieB]

:iagree:This is true, as long as the intake hose is not sitting side by side the same direct area as the outtake hose your filtration should work properly.sorry for any confusion I meant side by side and at same length in my previous post.

 

[RDTigger]

Wouldn't the side-by-side setup work as long as the outlets are aimed away from the intake... there should be enough force coming out to work, but a powerhead of some kind is vital on the other end to push the flow back..depending on the length of the tank..

 

[stratusfearrr]

When i had my fluval 305 running by itself, the output was on one corner of the tank, with the intake mounted somewhere near the middle. What kind of canister is it?

 

[blue2fyre]

I tried to set up mine with the intake and one end and the output at another. But the hoses that came with my canister were not long enough. So I now have the intake in the back left corner of my tank and the output on the left side of the tank and the top to disrupt the surface. It seems to work really well and with both being close to each other they are easier to hide.

 

[Rbishop]

:dance:"it is not uncommon to see the inlet and outlet right next to one another." Although you may see this set up, not the best IMO. The reason, because your filtering the same water straight from canister filter and defeating the proper usage of the filter. It is best to keep them as far part from each other so that your water flow from outtake hose can force any debris towards the intake hose to give your aquarium constant efficient cleaning.

Not uncommon at all...look at any HOB with the outlet plenum(s) pouring water down, straight at the suction tube...and most canisters have a holder that accepts the inlet and outlet tubes. It is the discharge nozzles or spray bars that direct the flow across the tank and away from the suction that creates the current.