Eheim Input/Output Position?

[dirrtybirdy]

in my biotope tank, the water is really cloudy. I have an eheim canister filter and when i look at the input suction alot of the debrie just passes by.

in what position do you guys keep the input/output tubes?

[reybie]

I find that the intake takes in more crud when it's not pressed against the glass, meaning there's about a half inch between the intake and the glass so water and debris go around it instead of blocking current and making water swirl away from it.

[dirrtybirdy]

how about if its closer to the bottom of the tank? cause right now its in the middle.

[reybie]

Oh I dunno about vertical position, mine's in the middle too and I think it does fine.

[John N.]

I think this picture from Zeneo describes a good position of the intake and outtake pipes. Basically you'll notice they are both pipes are on the same side, and the intake is at the lowest level possible to maximize the circulation.



I'm starting to arrange my intake/outtake pipes this way along with the diffuser positioning and it looks like there is more flow throughout the tank overall (plant are wavying in the current. Also the CO2 bubbles are dispersing more evenly and actually being caught in a riptide current to dissolve even further.

-John N.

[dougz]

Not to thread crap, but what about this positioning for 2 eheim filters?



Should I nix the spray bars and go with another option, like no flow restriction at all (lily tubes, or example)?

Where should the diffuser go, ideally? Or should I get a reactor to hook up to the cannister discharge?

[John N.]

Doug, I'm thinking the flow would be dramatically reduced overall if you position the spraybar to hit the glass first. It's like trying to swim face first into a wall, and then taking the time to turnaround to go the other way. Lots of wasted energy.

So, moving the spraybars on the RIGHT side and placing your diffuser on the LEFT (opposite) side will create better circulation and allow the CO2 to float every where. The inline reactor benefit over CO2 misting is something that hasn't been proven to be better or worse. I would try the CO2 mist way first and see how it goes. This way you don't add an extra piece of equipment to your canister that would hinder overall flow.

-John N.

[dougz]

I can definitely see that , John, but having it go straight to the suctions (left) wouldn't be conducive to a circular flow, either, would it?

What if I positioned them at a 45+ degree angle?

[John N.]

I think that would work as well too. We also must factor in plant mass and positioning, which can restrict/hinder the fluid movement of the designed circulation. The designs above reminds me of city planners who design a shopping center with a unique parking lot configuration that looks good on paper, but when it comes to actual use in reality, traffic congestion becomes rampant.

Moral of the story is: trial and error will prove which position will give you the best circulation.

-John N.

[dougz]

Well, I plan to have pretty heavily planted corners, to cover the equipment, and a valley in the center..

But I'm going to try to keep the plants 2" away from the glass at all times, so hopefully that will help..

[dirrtybirdy]

Originally Posted by John N.

-John N.

This is a very interesting concept. I think i will rearrange it sometime this week and see how it goes. does the filtration work better or is it just for the co2?