Need advise - current flow

[green plant]

Just hook-up Ehiem 2226 to my new planted tank and found that the current is very strong. The plant sway to much to one side.

Tank size : 36" x 30" x 24"(height)
Question:-
1. Is the filter too strong for that tank size?
2. If reduce the output flow rate will it affect the efficiency of the filter and will it also overload the motor?
3. What can be done to reduce the swaying of plants w/o reducing the flow rate/ current?

[NaRcOsIs]

----------------
On 4/27/2003 10:40:23 PM

Just hook-up Ehiem 2226 to my new planted tank and found that the current is very strong. The plant sway to much to one side.

Tank size : 36" x 30" x 24"(height)
Question:-
1. Is the filter too strong for that tank size?
2. If reduce the output flow rate will it affect the efficiency of the filter and will it also overload the motor?
3. What can be done to reduce the swaying of plants w/o reducing the flow rate/ current?

----------------

1. The flowrate is too high for a 3' planted aquarium.
2. No.. it will not afffect if you adjust the OUTFLOW VALVE of your filter.
3. Without reducing the flowrate?? hhmm.. place to output somewhere further, use a rainbar, use a longer rainbar.

thats all i can think of... hope it helps.

[:] [:]

[cbong]

I jave just bought a Pro II 2026. Simply love it. Intends to replace my 2224 which is getting old. My tank is 4 x 1.5 x 2 feet.

I have a similar concern/query.
I understand that the preferred rate is twice the tank vol. What is the maximum acceptable rate?[]

[jameshoftiezer]

I have a 2028 and 2228 on my 36x24x25 with a lotal flow of 575gph and have no problems. It depends on the tank and how you have the flow. Mine is distributed across a couple of outflows with the main stream (75%) going out into a open fore ground. I have had no problems with the fish or the plants.

James Hoftiezer

Tank Journal - Aquascape ( Latest / Archive )
Tank Journal - Parts and Construction ( Latest / Archive )

[FC]

Green Plant,

"Tank size : 36" x 30" x 24"(height)"
Your tank is a larger (water volume) than usual 3 footers.

"1. Is the filter too strong for that tank size?quot;
With 2226, you get about 3 times tank water volume cycling in an hour (after deducting those flow rate losts by the hose's and filter media restrictions, etc). Perfect in my opinion, plants enjoy it.

"3. What can be done to reduce the swaying of plants w/o reducing the flow rate/ current?quot;
Easy. Place the output pipe at mid height of the tank and let it flow at flow horizontally from one end of the back corner to the other end of back corner, as close to the back wall as possible. If it still does not work, get a output "flow spreader" from Nature Aquarium shop, it is a fan-shaped green plastic gadget that you can fit to the outlet pipe to distribute the flow in fan-shape way. It cost only $3.


jameshoftiezer,

Nice colourful tank, nearly marine look, was that your inspiration?

[vinz]

----------------
On 4/28/2003 3:47:33 PM, FC wrote:

... If it still does not work, get a output "flow spreader" from Nature Aquarium shop, it is a fan-shaped green plastic gadget that you can fit to the outlet pipe to distribute the flow in fan-shape way. It cost only $3...
----------------

I can't remember Eheims tern for this gadget, but ADA's equivalent (transparent) is called a lily-pipe.

FC, have you tried it? Effective?

[FC]

"I can't remember Eheims tern for this gadget, but ADA's equivalent (transparent) is called a lily-pipe."

Yeah, almost. But this one is made of Eheim-like quality green plastic. I bought it (just for fun, attracted by its' look and quality and cost nearly nothing) 2 months ago. It is effective but you still got to direct it to favourable part of the tank, like what I mentioned earlier.

I do not use it after the test as I actually need the strong flow to stir my tank. It is now in my museum (sitting inside the back part of my tank cabinet).

[ycwoon]

sheesh..my tank is about 120L and the Taiwan made canister filter (Jebao91 is rated at 1200L/h. Quite strong current flow about 1" from the top. I wonder if this will make the fish exhausted in the long run. Should have read up more before buying... []

Will try to shut down the output flow rate of the filter. I guess this will shorten the life of the impeller due to the "extra" load. hmmm...

[FC]

That's far too powerful a pump for your 120L. I saw NatureTan's tank and he has a good way to go around it; the output is placed near the tank bottom and the flow is directed vertically towards the water surface. Slight surface agitation but acceptable.