External Filter inlet/spraybar position

[Glasgowa]

Hello

Another silly question.....

I have an Eheim professional II 2026 filter in my aquarium. I have the inlet positioned on the right hand side of the aquarium and the spraybar on the left hand side.

On looking on the website they show the inlet and spraybar on the same side. Do you think this is positioned like that for a reason! Also due to the cut out's on my tank my spraybar can only be positioned from back to front not right to left, would this matter.

The reason I am thinking I may be doing it wrong is that my tank is covered in brown algae andwas thinking that the circulation may not be the best, and it should from this type of filter

Thanks in advance

Andrew


Please ignore the idiot's reflection!!

 

[beleg]

Brown algae is normal on new setups , especially in silica gravel tanks. You either need to be patient or get some algae eaters (i.e Otto or dwarf plecos). They will disappear by time as water parameters stabilizes.

About the filter outlet. IME its best to put the inlet and outlet as far as possible while putting the heater as near as possible to outlet. This way you circulate more water while not loosing heat via cannister. I put the outlet near surface (if tanks not planted) right - left position however if your setup wont let should be ok other way too. Just keep aerating the tank if you don't provide enough surface movement.

 

[Glasgowa]

Beleg

Thanks for your reply, yes the brown algae is some unsightly stuff! I have heard that stirring up the sand a bit when cleaning it helps quicken up the cycle of the brown algae?

You can't really see from the picture but the outlet is on the surface at the left hand side (back to front) and is providing some surface movement but I may not have had it adjusted to the right flow and it was too slow (now it's skimming the top a lot more providing surface movement instead of just providing current) I will try and get a clearer picture but from what you are saying I should be ok.

Cheers

Andrew

 

[beleg]

Well your tank is quite empty so circulation shouldn't be a problem as long as the inlet & outlet are on either side f the tank..

My 150 l heavy planted tank needs 2 mini powerheads to circulate water. The plants just slow down everything and there are heat/cool pockets if i don't operate the p.heads.That is what you are trying to avoid!

 

[Glasgowa]

Beleg
Thanks again, so basically i'm worrying about nothing.

I have attached a clearer picture of the set up and a couple of pictures of the brown algae but from what you are saying this seems to be ok.

I am getting more plants on Thursday and these should just fill out what's all ready there so will never be heavily planted.
Current stock:

5 Rams
4 Keyholes
3 Julii Cory's
8 Blue Tetra's
Thanks again

Andrew

 

[beleg]

welcome
Why don't you add a few Ottos, if your tap water is high in silicates it may take forever for the brown algae to disappear. Ottos will make short work of it and will not cause trouble to your fish.

Besides if you are getting more plants you will definitely need more algae eaters.

 

[Glasgowa]

beleg

Funny that, you must be a mind reader. Take it they will be ok with the 3 cory's? How many do you think I should get (dwarf ones)?

Cheers

Andrew

 

[beleg]

Well just been there , done that..

Ottos (Otocincilus) get along with most species that will not eat them They don't grow very large (4-5 cm at max i believe) and there is no dwarf type afaik.

Note that Ottos (or Oto Cats) are different from Ancistrus species.Although Ancistrus is a great algae eater, they will always compete with dwarf cihclids for breeding caves.

Corys dwell on tank bottom while Ottos will scrape off algae from where every they are. They usually wont even meet with your Cory cats.

 

[Glasgowa]

Beleg

Thanks again! just trying to source a small group of 3 from my LFS.

Cheers

Andrew

 

[Glasgowa]

Otto's

Well can't believe how difficult it was to find these but have managed to secure 6 Oto Flexilis. The guy at the FS said I would need more to maintain the size of tank (100x45x50cm 220litre) but I thought that would be enough to get on with (hope it's not too much). What do you think

Cheers

Andrew

 

[beleg]

Well they are hard to get here as well.. Harder than there i suppose. I hardly found 1.. They need to be kept in numbers not just because you tank is big but also because they like each others company .. so 6 is a great choice for the beginning. You can adjust the amount later depending on the algae response.

 

[Glasgowa]

Beleg

Well I got the 6 Otto's today (mail order, 1st time ever) and they seem to have settled in quite well and enjoying all the food around my tank.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

Andrew