External filter or Hang On??

[yakie_19]

Hi all, I have just joined this forum after being recommended by a friend who has also recently joined.

I currently have a 60 litre tank, which I just set up 2 days ago, trying to go for the iwagumi look. But I have a question on the type of filter that I should be using, so hope that someone can give some valuable advice on this matter.

I have always been using an Ocean Free hang on filter that seems to work fine for me. But I recently got an eheim external canister 2211. but the water flow seems to be very strong for my tank, causing alot of churing in the water. In the end, I switched back to my hang on filter.

Is there a way to modify the canister to reduce the water flow? I am also considering whether to get the eheim hang on filter 2040 which seems to be easy to use but efficient, and also without the hoses hanging behind my tank. Please advice on this problem.
Thanks

[lifestory]

Hi yakie,

There should be some way to modify the canister. But looking at your requirements, it seems like you need something easy to use and maintain. Maybe you should go for the hang on filter then since I presume your tank is around 2 feet.

Still, the iwagumi look wouldn't look that fantastic if you are going for eheim similar filters.. lets just say their designs are very "techie".
Take a look at mizuworld showing the range of Boyu / Hailea / Hydro . They come in transparent black or trasparent white for the suction tube which should go well.

Ive pasted the link for you:
http://www.mizuworld.com/index.php?page=2&time=1226131091&session=c2af74c37cd57bb298d4b3e1d6d6d5&system_id=&module_id=&action_id=&module=product&action=&group_id=211&bestbuy=&apha=

[beetlejuice403]

Hi yakie,

how high (as in the flowrate) can your Ocean Free hang on filter accomodate? If it's not powerful enough, you may experience poor water circulation in the tank & develop deadspots...

You should be able to adjust the flowrate of the cannister filter... Maybe bro/sis whom are using the same model can share a bit of pointers... I always feel that a cannister offers better filtration results than compared to my hang-ons... & the former requires less washing also...

cheers!

[yakie_19]

Hi, just went to check the flow rate of my ocean free hang on filter. it is roughly around 150litres/ hr. do you think it is sufficient?

Anyway, what is the optimal flow rate for a 2 feet tank?
I read from other posts that when we mod the flow rate, we should only adjust the outflow, and not meddle with the motor or inflow part. is that right?
If so, how can i adjust the outflow portion? Someone suggested tilting the rainbar to the back of the tank to reduce the flow.

[k3nlim]

Adding in the media and filter will generally slow down the flowrate. You can also drill more holes on your rainbar to allow for more water to pass through,if not you can use a lily pipe as your output as its usually made of glass and won't show up

[html1820]

Agree with K3nlim bro btw you should be able to adjust the flowrate of the cannister filter.

[yakie_19]

Hi,
in the end, I decided not to use the rainbar as it is too out of place. I use the hose direct as my outflow, but position the hose facing the side of the tank to slow the outflow. seems better now. Also squeeze more filter media to slow down the flow. seems to work.
thanks all.

[stillife]

Hi Yakie,

If you have a coupling valve connector between your inlet/outlet pipes, you can also control the flowrate though the main purpose is to allow you to shutoff the flow for maintenance. I did tried using this method to control the flowrate. It may stain your filter....to some extent.

http://www.eheimasiapacific.com/_ima...idDiscCoup.jpg

[yakie_19]

Hi, i've thought of using the coupling valve method to control the outflow. but from what i've heard from several people in LFS, they were saying that this will stress the motor, and reduce the lifespan of it. So maybe better not to try it. anyway, by facing the outlet towards the side of the tank really works. the flow is much lesser and easier to manage.