Placement of Inlet and Outlet of External Cannister Filter

[Earth]

Just wondering...
For people who own cannister filter,

1) Should there be a clear path between the outlet and inlet (at the back of
the fish tank) for good circulation of water?

2) Assuming if the outlet is connected to a CO2 reactor, is it advisable
for driftwood/plants to be planted near to the outlet of the reactor?
Will this obstruct circulation?

3) Particles seemed to be floating abt in my tank and doesn't seemed to
settle down. There is good clarity in the tank though.
a) Is this due to the outflow from the outlet being too
strong?
b) - Or - the outlet is placed too near to the gravel bed?

TIA.

[beanbean]

Hi, im not too sure where to place it. i got mine recently when i did a rescaping. its a green reactor, some chinese brand. i placed it on my tank's back, suction cups pasted on the back of the tank and the reactor is made in a way that it blows out water as well as diffused CO2 diagonally towards the front of the tank. Meanwhile the inlet valve to my canister is placed on my tank's left. Hope everything will work well. And one thing to add, dun think its advisable to blow the water at any plants or wood or stone which have plants attached. My fren's plants all collapsed in that manner. Hmmm, any advice from the moderators???

[Simon]

IMO, the most usable position for the outlet is blowing along the length of the tank, there r several members who also do it on the width side (they gotta comment on it) most imprt is the water circulation, as where the inlet pipe shld be position is really not that imprt. if u find your outlet current too strong, either u can add a rainbar or if u already have one add an extension, or u can turn the flow against the glass

if u have particles in yr water column, add more filter media (white wool)

[Earth]

Thanks guys. I will try adding a rain bar tonight. My outlet is currently blowing across the length of the tank and i have some tape grass planted near the direction of the outflow. so far, the tape grass is growing pretty well.. only thing is, the fine particles floating ard (not many though) is a little eye-sore.

My cannister filter is a ATMAN 3335. Can i use eheim filter pad?

[vinz]

Yes, you can use Ehiem filter pad provided the shape fits. Alternatively, buy a whole mat and cut it yourself. Nature has them, if its in stock. Most LFS should have them too.

Check the positioning of the filter inlet... is the water flowing by it? If it's in an area of low flow, then it's not being very efficient. Track the particles to observe the circulation in your tank. Ideally, your water should circulate all over your tank.

However you arrange the outlet, make sure that it's circulating water through as much of the tank as possible.