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I am very embarrassed to ask this BUT its just not clear on the instructions. I have a new Fluval 3 plus internal filter and its not clear on the instructions actually how deep to have it in the tank?

Do I put the whole unit underwater?

The reason I am asking is that it seems that the airflow comes out of the blue thing at the top of the motor(I think), and is more or less level with the electric lead that comes out of the top of the motor. I feel this should be above the water but it means that the blue thing will also be above the water???

So, how do I place it in the tank please?

I'm thinking that the whole thing goes into the tank. I haven't had the internal, but as I recall (I've looked at them) they show being in the tank, on the bottom. Yes, the electrical cord may be in the tank, but so are some of the heaters that they make...Otherwise I don't see how it would really work...look at the pictures, especially on the box and see if you can tell that way
heidi

EDIT:
Fluval Internal Cartridge Filter Manual: Hopefully this will help, found it online after posting

Installation


CAUTION:

Disconnect the plug of all appliances inside the aquarium before placing hands in water.
Place the filter inside the aquarium and ensure that it is placed below the water level.
Attach the filter to the aquarium by using either the rim clamp or suction cup bracket.
Rotate exhaust outlet to desired angle.
Plug into power.
CAUTION: The filter must not be allowed to run dry.
fluval instruction manual for internal filters

Last edited by houston at 02-Aug-2005 19:54

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

Thanks. I must say the instructions I got with it are not very clear.
It says " Do not immerse more than 1 metre"
and then elsewhere
"Note: In order to have the airflow control device/venturi working properly, it must remain above the water" !!
Which is why I got confused. Thanks again
Fingers crossed

This type of filter is fitted with a venturi air intake fitting. There should be a length of pipe attached to the outlet (on the little nozzle at the top). The water flow through the outlet is designed to draw air into it and force it to mix with the water that is pumped out. This enhances the aeration of the tank as well as adding to the 'look'. The other end of this pipe that is attached to the outlet should therefore nor be immersed in the water as it could not suck in air then. One should not immerse the unit more than a metre in the water as then it would need added pressure to draw the air through the pipe, which the outflow nozzle is not designed to do. The unit is fully submersible, and should be, to keep it cool and increase its service life. Another reason not to immerse the unit deeper than 1m is that often the seals on the unit are not designed to withstand prolonged pressure that increased water depth increases. I hope that this helps!

Champion post Matross... hope to hear more from you on the boards soon.

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