Canister filter above tank

**stonespot** · 21st Apr 2010, 04:52

Hi if i have 3 tier rack and i place the 2 canister filters on the top shelve while the below 2 are tanks, will the filters as effective? Hmax should be within range.

Top shelve - Canister Filters + Small Water Storage
Middle shelve- 3X1.5X1.5ft tank
Bottom shelve - 3X1.5X1.5ft tank

**Fuzzy** · 21st Apr 2010, 07:58

Will have problems, especially priming the canisters.

Air pockets will build up and the impellers will be running dry frequently, not recommended.

**bossteck** · 21st Apr 2010, 08:57

I don't think it is possible.
Most canister filters I know works such that gravity does the work in drawing water from the tank into the filter, what the motor does is to push the water back into the tank. By placing the filter above the tank, you're requiring the motor to suck water, don't think it is designed to do that.

**stonespot** · 21st Apr 2010, 09:29

Thanks. I'm afraid the rack will topple if the top and middle with the 3ft tanks. The rack maybe using a stainless or wrough iron.

**eviltrain** · 21st Apr 2010, 09:41

it will take great amount of energy to topple the rack, if you still worry about it, add another 3 feet tank

**zonkkie** · 21st Apr 2010, 10:05

Ya, usually bottom shelf is canister filter and middle and top shelves tanks. My 2 ft rack is setup the same way. Should be pretty safe especially if rack is against a wall. Otherwise if you really paranoid, IKEA has bracings to hold the rack to the wall.

**stonespot** · 22nd Apr 2010, 00:05

Perhaps, the bottom shelve height should be narrower if possible. Centre of Gravity. Thanks Folks.

**tawauboy** · 22nd Apr 2010, 08:09

nope. will not work.
canister filter does not provide suction but 'push' water. that is why they are specified with a head height; how high it can pump water to.
water entering a canister filter needs to be assisted by gravity.

**bai** · 22nd Apr 2010, 09:22

Originally Posted by stonespot

Thanks. I'm afraid the rack will topple if the top and middle with the 3ft tanks. The rack maybe using a stainless or wrough iron.

It will not topple if u have added water in the tanks cos the weight will make it more stable. Now is empty so u will feel it shaking.

**Shadow** · 22nd Apr 2010, 10:55

I guess he is worry about the center of gravity, more weight at the top mean center gravity move higher thus easy to topple. Unfortunately those canister filter need gravity assist.

You can screw it to the wall

as zonkkie said