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  1. Tom

    Increase flow rate without creating a whirlpool?

    Spraybars (or multiples) with large holes. Recently did this for my 4' Goldfish tank as they couldn't cope with the flow/velocity. Drilled out the holes on the Eheim spraybar kit slightly and it's much better. You'll probably get a slightly better turnover as well as there's less restriction.
  2. Tom

    Setup on 2 canisters

    I would use both mechanical and biological in each canister preferably. You need to remove solids first so as not to clog the bio media.
  3. Tom

    Reducing filter flow

    Same set as me :P
  4. Tom

    Filter suggestions for 35l tank

    Eheim Liberty HOB if you can find one.
  5. Tom

    Reducing filter flow

    Or drill out the spray bar holes slightly - does wonders for reducing velocity.
  6. Tom

    Flow rates

    Hi, I would aim for around 10,000 lph for your flow. If you use spray bars (probably more than one along the back wall), it will give you lower velocity than just using a single jet, so shouldn't destroy the sand. It would be trial and error though at first. As for the Aqua Rays - knowing...
  7. Tom

    zeolite as permanent media in a filter

    If bacteria colonize zeolite and begin using the ammonia, does that then make more room to absorb more ammonia? If so, that sounds like a very good media to use!
  8. Tom

    Filter media recommendations

    Eheim Substrat Pro all the way :) But don't jam pack it or you'll lose flow. Leave some room for water flow.
  9. Tom

    What filter would be best for 28L tank?

    It'll be fine for some small goldfish to start with, but yes they will outgrow the tank :)
  10. Tom

    What filter would be best for 28L tank?

    I'd maybe try a Fluval U1 or U2. The U2 has much more room for media, but you might want to turn the flow down a bit for Goldies. Tom
  11. Tom

    Internal filter question

    If you are keeping the 600lph, I would consider adding a powerhead or two in the "quieter" ends of the tank to make sure that there are no dead spots. You need to try to get an even flow throughout the whole tank, which will be quite difficult to achieve with one pump in the corner. Tom
  12. Tom

    hydor inline heater question, semi urgent...

    The heater could be on the inlet, I can't see a problem with that.
  13. Tom

    External filter for 28l nano?

    I use an Eheim Ecco Pro300 on my 25l, but you might be better off with the Pro100 or Pro200
  14. Tom

    Filter Issues: Eheim Ecco Pro & Tetratec EX1200

    Mine only has to move once. I attach everything with the handle down (open), open the taps and move the handle back into place. That is enough to start it filling.
  15. Tom

    Filter Issues: Eheim Ecco Pro & Tetratec EX1200

    I managed to snap part of mine by re-fitting the top while the taps were closed. I forced it a little too much and it snapped. Were your taps open at the time? I wouldn't use brute force, I've found it's not all that strong!
  16. Tom

    Filter options, head is spinning a bit....

    Is the vision 180 cabinet smaller than the rio 180 then? I have the 1200 in mine.
  17. Tom

    Filter options, head is spinning a bit....

    Do you not have the EX1200 any more? I use one on my 180.
  18. Tom

    why is 'height' relevant for pumps?

    Yes, but it still has to be pumped back up again :) Take an external filter's rated power. Then when you put tubes on/media in, it drops. Then lift those tubes to the height of the tank and measure again. It will drop more. If you tried syphoning water down into the filter and you had the...
  19. Tom

    why is 'height' relevant for pumps?

    I think it's simply because the higher the tank compared to the filter, the less flow you will get. If you build a waterfall, you will need to get a more powerful pump to get the water to the top. If you go high enough, the flow will more or less stop.
  20. Tom

    Running the UP inline defuser on the inlet of my filter

    You might end up with a pocket of CO2 forming at the top of the filter, which will clear itself when kicked! I haven't run an inline diffuser on an inlet, just a normal ceramic one under the inlet pipe.
  21. Tom

    Rio 180 - Flow, Circulation and advice

    I'd go for a that JBL 1500 for a full length spray bar - I use a Tetratec EX1200 for my puffer tank, and I find the flow still isn't enough. I've just added I use an Ecco 300 on my Mini M!!
  22. Tom

    Flow in your aquarium

    The flow swirls them around :)
  23. Tom

    Right media setup for Eheim 2078?

    Run the filter full of media, from the tank into a bucket and time it (how many liters in a certain time). Then try it half full. You should then be able to work out liters per hour for both ways and see the difference. Not sure about the Spezialfett. Tom
  24. Tom

    Right media setup for Eheim 2078?

    As long as the baskets sit flush when stacked, I'd say that was fine. As you say, cramming it with media will reduce your flow. Might be interesting to experiment removing a basket (or only half-filling them) and seeing how much difference it makes.
  25. Tom

    ebay filter

    I meant the quality of the electrics and componants ;)
  26. Tom

    ebay filter

    Looks like a Tetratec clone to me. Just depends what the internals are like!
  27. Tom

    Help please, noisy Eheim 2126

    Well I got mine second hand, and there were no bushes - I got a pack that came with 2, so used both!
  28. Tom

    Help please, noisy Eheim 2126

    Check the rubber bits on each end of the impeller shaft - I had to replace mine a little while back.
  29. Tom

    10 X flow rate

    It's worked out on the manufacturers spec :)
  30. Tom

    Superfish Aqua Pro 600 leak

    Yeah dry it all off for now, and check it again in the morning.
  31. Tom

    Superfish Aqua Pro 600 leak

    If it's brand new you'd do best to return it. Are you sure you didn't just spill any water in there when you put it together? Did it have an 'o' ring to install? The noise is probably air trapped inside. Tilt it up and see if it spits out bubbles. If so, the noise should go once all the air is...
  32. Tom

    what do you use - spray bar, lily or other

    I voted spray bar (connected to lily pipes), but the other tank uses a HOB filter.
  33. Tom

    Your Tank vs. Filter Size

    I just thought it might be interesting if anyone would like to list the size of tank they have, and what they are using to filter it. Also, details of who uses what media might be good. I want to find out just how important filtration actually is, compared with Flow. My main successful tanks all...
  34. Tom

    Leaking tetratec Ex 1200

    Take the O ring off, rinse it, coat it in vaseline and replace it. See if that helps. I've done that once or twice to mine when a bit of grit has got stuck in there and broken the seal. Tom
  35. Tom

    Looking at getting a tetratec ex700

    Is it instead of the standard Juwel filter, or alongside? Flow wise it will probably be around the same but would give you the option of a spray bar. I'd go for the 1200 personally. Tom
  36. Tom

    Help with filter choice

    You might be better with a sump and pond pump!
  37. Tom

    Splitting into two outflows?

    I was wondering about this too. I can't see why there would be a problem. There must be a 'Y' connector somewhere for your size pipes
  38. Tom

    Quick Question

    I have a 700lph Eheim on my 20 liter 3/4 open, and before used the same on the 10 liter. I'd say just turn the Fluval down a bit, but from experience the Fluvals are quite noisy when you restrict the flow. Get a spray bar on it too.
  39. Tom

    Removing Juwel Internal Filter

    I used a normal kitchen knife on my 3 Juwel tanks :)
  40. Tom

    Swapping media bio-to mechanical in Eheim Filter

    The foam should get you more flow yes. Assuming you don't use loads of fine foam. You might want to wait a month between changing the two halves though, or you could end up with quite a drop in bacteria colonies on what you originally had. You could also get a powerhead in there, which would...
  41. Tom

    Purigen

    Might be an idea to make sure you've just got some mechanical first (starting course, ending in fine), then some bio (unless you're just using sponges for everything), and then I'd go with Purigen Last. Tom
  42. Tom

    Eheim Ecco Pro head full of water

    Ease of use - Brilliant Ease of maintenance - Brilliant Design - Brilliant Noise - until recently, Brilliant I'm just not sure what caused this, and it hasn't happened since. It may just be that there was some grit in a seal that I hadn't noticed. It's been quite loud for a while too, but then...
  43. Tom

    Lily Pipe Positioning

    I have my lily pipes at the front right corner blowing across the front, then a powerhead at the back left flowing in the opposite direction along the back of the tank. I don't see how this would restrict the flow? It's far far better than just having the lily pipes. Any more flow from the lily...
  44. Tom

    is an old reef filter ok for planted?

    Just remove any remaining salt from the filter (maybe use warm water and rinse it), and check any metal parts that might go nasty quicker in salt water. If all that's OK, you should be fine. Check the seals too.
  45. Tom

    Purigen

    I know lots of people started using it a while back, but I haven't heard it being used for quite a long time.
  46. Tom

    180L tank... 1 filter.... but what?

    Tetratec EX1200 or the bigger one? (EX3200 maybe?) I have the 1200 on my 180l. Cheap, easy and I like mine. It's always what I recommend.
  47. Tom

    Eheim Ecco Pro head full of water

    Just woke up to a puddle of water on the floor around my Eheim. I took the head off to check the o ring, but when I lifted it off a whole load of water came out the top. Was just wandering where it came from!!! I can't see anything wrong, and it's the first time I've had it happen :eh: It's not...
  48. Tom

    Rio 180 filter help

    Very good with the spray bar. I broke my spray bar and it's not as effective these days.
  49. Tom

    Rio 180 filter help

    I have a Tetratec EX1200 on my Rio 180, but then I took out the old black box filter. Definitely recommend it. Very quiet, as already mentioned.
  50. Tom

    Help!!! fluval 105 just spitting bubbles into tank

    Probably just sit and wait for them to stop!!! You can tip the filter occasionally which should help to get rid of any air trapped inside.
  51. Tom

    What Goes In Your Filter

    Yeh, cheers mate :P It wasn't having any of it! Good job I didn't buy the thing myself, it was for a customer :lol:
  52. Tom

    What Goes In Your Filter

    Something solidly build with a large capacity, an appropriate turnover for your tank, and easy to maintain. For me, the best I've used is my Eheim Ecco Pro 300 (fantastic for maintenance). Second would be the Tetratec EX1200 (most reliable so far, maybe surprisingly). I really didn't like my...
  53. Tom

    What Goes In Your Filter

    Bought the Ecco Pro second hand, and was filled completely with the Eheim ceramic balls or whatever they are (3 tiers). Then there's the pre-filter with a course sponge, and a polishing pad before the bio. Simple and very effective.
  54. Tom

    Eheim Ecco Pro playing up

    Just bodged it using guesswork and 10mm of airline around the top of the impeller shaft where it sits in the holder and it's started this time. Is there usually a rubber cap on top of the shaft or anything? Does it sound like impeller failure? There's no air in it at all, and it is rattling a...
  55. Tom

    Eheim Ecco Pro playing up

    My Ecco Pro has just started misbehaving :( It didn't re-start after normal maintenance. It buzzes, but the impeller doesn't turn. If I open it and turn it on (my bad!), it only starts if I turn the impeller first myself and give it a bump start. It's not that there's an air lock or...
  56. Tom

    NA ADA Tank filtration...

    The lights are pretty high up if that makes much difference. I did think the "Mini" tanks' lights were pretty intense though.
  57. Tom

    NA ADA Tank filtration...

    It would increase flow to a point, but you're always going to be restricted by the single tube diameter. I doubt you'd get twice as much flow by adding twice as many filters as you would when ran separately. As you say it would be best for them to be the same output. Tom
  58. Tom

    Leaking Filters.

    That's me, it works brillianly :p I'll let you know when my eheim's seal goes though, I'll keep an eye on it now
  59. Tom

    Leaking Filters.

    The CO2 concentration in a tank is surely way way less than in Co2 tubing. My Tetratec sprung a leak the other day, and all it was was a bit of grit on the o ring. Just it all off, and good as new.
  60. Tom

    TetraTec Ex600 flow rate issue?

    My EX1200 tried and tested, with media (not cleaned for a while, It's overdue!) and pipes at tank level - 720LPH Tom
  61. Tom

    TetraTec Ex600 flow rate issue?

    Yeah I doubt there's a filter out there that will do exactly what is claimed on the box, although that seems like quite a drop down to 300. Makes me want to test my EX1200 now!
  62. Tom

    TetraTec Ex600 flow rate issue?

    The flow rate is calculated without anything attached to or in the filter. The pump output may be 600lph or close to, but when you add any restrictions such as a canister, hoses or media (I know you ran it empty) it will change. The height of the pipes is also a very influential factor.
  63. Tom

    Eheim - Ecco Pro or Pro 2222

    I would imagine that it's the canister size that's the difference. At a guess, you'll get a larger amount of media in a 2224 than you will in an Ecco. Saying that the Ecco is very neat and compact, and very easy to clean. I really like mine.
  64. Tom

    Eheim - Ecco Pro or Pro 2222

    I have an Eheim Ecco Pro 300 on my 10 (ten) liter tank at the moment, so I would suggest that the Pro 130 may not be capable enough for you. I know I've way way over-filtered in my case, but I would suggest the Ecco Pro 200 if not 300, or the 2224 for yours.
  65. Tom

    Eheim Classic 2217

    I've got a Classic 2217 on my 4 foot Malawi tank. Does a nice job, although it's just a very simple beast! We had to get the valves separately which cost a bomb for what they are, but are essential I think. I recommend getting various grades of pond filter foam and cutting to shape as has been...
  66. Tom

    Actual flow is 25% of rated flow (Eheim Pro 3e 2076)

    It depends on so many things. Type/brand of filter, type of media, quantity of media, "packing density" of media, amount of "cloggage" in media, size of hoses, length of hoses, height of hoses, outlets, inlets, blockages, age of filter (probably). The quoted flow rate is often based on having...
  67. Tom

    Fluidised Sand Bed Filter

    Yeah, you could probably harbour enough bacteria to run your whole tank very very few ceramic/siporax rings as they have a huge surface area, but the trouble is supplying it with enough O2 etc. Thats one reason large amounts of high surface area media is good, if that makes sense. There would be...
  68. Tom

    Fluidised Sand Bed Filter

    I doubt you'll get much extra benefit biologically from it on top of the other two, other than flow as you say. You'd proabably do well to pre-filter it too I'd imagine. It certainly won't hurt having one, but there are probably much cheaper ways to keep up the flow. Tom
  69. Tom

    Filter For Shrimp Nano?

    If you get the 400, the flow should be fine for them. Make it quite a tight fit when you cut it so it doesn't fall off when you turn off the flow.
  70. Tom

    Filter For Shrimp Nano?

    Yep, just like that :)
  71. Tom

    Filter For Shrimp Nano?

    On my powerhead there was a cone-shaped intake at the bottom. It had a block of foam with a hole cut in the top so it just pushed on the inlet
  72. Tom

    Filter For Shrimp Nano?

    Buy a medium/fine sponge block meant for ponds and cut it to size :)
  73. Tom

    would i be right in saying?...

    I would imagine you'd also have to consider the O2 requirement. I'm not sure of the O2 uptake rates of bacteria, but presumably if you have too low a turnover, you would start to limit bacteria growth as O2 would be stripped. It's probably a case of finding the medium, and for all I know it's...
  74. Tom

    do people run carbon in there nano planted ?

    I have the largest Eheim Ecco Pro on my 10 liter nano :P Overkill? Naaaah haha
  75. Tom

    Salt water to fresh water

    Yeah, you wouldn't usually use an external for marine - the liverock does it for you with good circulation. Having said that, at Sparsholt we did have one of the huge TMC commercial systems filtering the 10' marine predator tank.
  76. Tom

    How often d'yer wash yer balls?

    I never replace any media, either bio or mech. A good rinse does the trick. Every so often a quick rinse out of the bio, and a squeeze of the mech and it's all good. I've got a load of unused bio in storage, which would just get a rinse and then go back in a filter if needed Tom
  77. Tom

    Fluval 305 and Spray Bar

    Are they to fit different pipe sizes?
  78. Tom

    Fluval 305 and Spray Bar

    connect the 2 long pipes together if you need that much length. If not, just use the one with the stopper in. Then attach the rubber bit to the open end of the spray bar at a guess. Then attach the filter outlet pipe to the open end of the spraybar, using the bends to help bend the pipe without...
  79. Tom

    eheim nightmare

    What's the reason for this?
  80. Tom

    eheim nightmare

    Try filling the canister manually, then have a go at priming - that's what works better for me
  81. Tom

    Lily pipes - what size

    By the way, I have the AE Nano ones (9mm out and 12mm in) with an Ecco Pro 300 on my 10 liter
  82. Tom

    Lily pipes - what size

    Have a look at the Cal Aqua nano ones from TGM
  83. Tom

    urgent help needed please eheim 2236

    Can't help with spares, but I would imagine for the time being you could silicone it (use quite a lot) and wrap gaffer tape around it to keep the shape. If it loses shape you will end up with leaks around the O ring. Tom
  84. Tom

    ADA Range of lillys whats the difference?

    Cal Aqua is good. I had the nano pipes from TGM, but that's what ended up slicing my finger while trying to attach it to a pipe! They are pretty strong, good quality and great to look at, but I just put a bit much pressure on mine :?
  85. Tom

    ADA Range of lillys whats the difference?

    I would imagine it's just not as well made, cheaper materials etc. However, I bet it's still pretty smart!
  86. Tom

    Transitioning from internal to external

    Sounds good to me :) You shouldn't loose much bacteria in the change-over provided you do it fairly quickly so I'd be surprised if you see deterioration in water quality at all. Just don't leave it sitting around too much while you set it up, as it can quickly run out of O2. Get all the Eheim...
  87. Tom

    Aqua One Aquis Advance 1050 - Leak

    Try some Vaseline :)
  88. Tom

    Aqua One Aquis Advance 1050 - Leak

    Have you checked the 'o' rings?
  89. Tom

    Which is the quietest 1200: JBL, AO, TT or AM?

    I reckon every case is going to be different depending on every tank, amount/type of media, wear and tear, where it's set up etc etc. On my Malawi tank my first Eheim Classic was very noisy - it got annoying in the living room. It was replaced, and the new one is great. I've only tried one...
  90. Tom

    Which is the quietest 1200: JBL, AO, TT or AM?

    I have my TetraTec 1200 next to an Eheim Ecco (not sure which one, I inherited it!!) and I would say the Tetratec is noticeably the quieter of the two. Tom
  91. Tom

    ATMAN FILTER

    Really? Mine's been great for the year I've had it.
  92. Tom

    Transitioning from internal to external

    I would just put your Juwel media into the new external and leave it. For heating, you would probably end up with either a heater loose in the tank (you can get heater holders with suction cups to attach to glass) or you can get in-line heaters that fit on your filter tubes. The Juwel heater is...
  93. Tom

    Looking for a new external filter.

    Nice one, that's a good price. I'm using one on my 4 foot/120l Pufferfish tank. They're good, solid, powerful filters. I used a JBL Cristal Profi for a client tank I set up because I got a good deal from JohnAllan, but I wished I hadn't in the end. I found priming it very difficult and ended...
  94. Tom

    Looking for a new external filter.

    Blimey, not bad! I got mine from Swallow Aquatics when I worked there and they're now just over £100 there I think. Go for it! Tom
  95. Tom

    Looking for a new external filter.

    Personally I didn't like the last AquaOne I used although that was 2 or 3 years a go so things may have changed. I would suggest a Tetratec EX1200. Maybe a tad over budget, but I love mine :) Mine was £85 when I got it, but I seem to remember the price may have gone up since. Tom
  96. Tom

    Short Spraybars

    I imagine it might slightly increase the velocity of water from the outlet but would undoubtedly reduce overall flow Tom
  97. Tom

    ATMAN FILTER

    If it makes money, it's a successful business. But yeah, an odd first post!
  98. Tom

    ATMAN FILTER

    I haven't seen these, however if they're anything like my TetraTec ex1200 then they should be pretty good :) I've been really pleased with that. Tom
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