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Can anyone advise me as to what the rule is on the required length on filter intake tubes? I have a 42G hex that is 24" high and the bottom of the tube comes to the 7.5" mark. There has already been an extension added to it. I'm just wondering if it shouldn't be longer?

Thanks so much!



*Mitch*

I think you want it to be a few inches away from the substrate. Mine is about 3 or 4" off the gravel. If it is higher then it is less effective, there will be more gunk under the uptake tube, then you just gravel vac there each time you do the tank. If it is too low you'll have gravel being pulled up into the tube and getting stuck inside cutting down on the flow, really fine gravel would make a mess of the impeller and destroy the pump I would guess.
If I am wrong in any of these assumptions then please correct me, they are assumptions after-all.

"If you're afraid you'll make a mistake, you won't make anything."
-Family Circus

As far as a rule I have never seen any written logical reason for any depth.

I think most experienced members have their intake tubes within a few ins of the substrate. Mine is about 3-4ins above, reason that was the length of the tube supplied.


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Keith

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Hi,
With the strength of the pumps that are used in our filters
it really does not matter how far into the tank the intake
extends... Unless... you are using sand as a substrate.
then, nearly anything can lift the sand up into the water
column where it could be sucked into the filter and perhaps
ruin the impeller.

Personally, I've always looked at the circulation in the
tank and noticed where the currents force the fish food
(an easily drifting material),for instance, is
floating around. Then I put at least one intake in the
middle of that current. That way the fish waste and other
solids are directed toward the intake where they stand a
pretty good chance of being sucked in and out of the water
column.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--