Cichlid Pete Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Hi Guys,Is it possible to run 2 filters through one inlet and outlet which are through the base of the tank?They would both be FX6's.ThanksPeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckmeister Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Personally myself if I was adamant on the idea (2 filters) I would chain link 2 canisters in line . You could run the water into a non working canister filter relying on gravity from your tank, connect that up to your working canister to return it to your tank. Between the gravity feed and your pump should be ok imo if your pump is decent. It also runs through the extra media you have just attached. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 Hi Chuckmeister,I was thinking of fitting a t-piece to the bulk head and running the 2 separate.One of my concerns was 1of the filters starving and not getting enough water flow.Having the 2 of them separate would mean I would always have a back up if 1 failed.ThanksPeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 It is possible for you to daisy chain canister filters but it doesn't lead to the same level of filtration as two separate filters. People recommend that you use two filters that have the same flow rate as any difference in flow rate will ultimately impact on the pump and impeller of the weaker pump. Most recommend that one of the pumps so be disconnected and the impeller removed. The first is normally used for mechanical filtration and the second filter acting as a biological filter. There are two different thought where the disconnected filter is located on the daisy chain. Chuck suggestion is that it should be the first filter and utilise gravity to draw down the water with the second filter returning the water to the tank. The other thought is place the working pump first as the pump would then push the water through the disconnected filter. The filter would then experience similar resistance as that would be experienced if the filter was pumping to it maximum head height. The FX6 for example has a head height of 3.3 metres. If you had a filter that wasn't working then daisy chaining them would be an advantage. I personally can't see the benefit of using two working filters chained together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Hi Chuckmeister,I was thinking of fitting a t-piece to the bulk head and running the 2 separate.One of my concerns was 1of the filters starving and not getting enough water flow.Having the 2 of them separate would mean I would always have a back up if 1 failed.ThanksPeterThere is a possiblity that one would not receive sufficent water particularly if one is pumping at a higher rate than the other. What you are proposing isn't chaining in the normal sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 Thanks Guys,I was thinking of running the filters separately, by fitting a t-piece to the same intake and outlet bulk head.The only reason for this is I want to increase my stock and want some insurance if the filter fails.To drilling another set off holes in the base or running the second filter over the rim is a lot more work and I don't have another tank to store my fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted July 18, 2015 Author Share Posted July 18, 2015 Thanks Ged.Both filters will be FX6's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Thanks Guys,I was thinking of running the filters separately, by fitting a t-piece to the same intake and outlet bulk head.The only reason for this is I want to increase my stock and want some insurance if the filter fails.To drilling another set off holes in the base or running the second filter over the rim is a lot more work and I don't have another tank to store my fish.Pete what size bulkheads are you using as the size of the bulkhead may hamper the flow rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted July 19, 2015 Author Share Posted July 19, 2015 Ged, I'm pretty sure they are classed as 32mm as the hole in the base of the tank is 38mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckmeister Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Pete, I think your worrying a bit much on the reliability of your filter. I'd expect one of those fx6's to be similar to eheim in that you would expect a decade or more of reliable use. Things like impellers might need replacing eventually but I doubt you'll have issues with the pump itself. Also the fx6 looks to be a pretty big filter to handle a pretty big load. How big a load are you expecting to put on your tank?It is much cheaper to put an airstone or curtain in your tank. In a pump failure, generally your fish will be perfectly fine if they have oxygenated water. An internal wave maker or powerhead would do the same. Something that breaks your water surface.As far as putting a T on and hooking up 2 filters. Pipe has a maximum flow rate. If your outlet can keep up with dumping the water into 2 canisters then give it a crack and see how it goes. One thing to watch (not sure how) is that if one pump is stronger than the other that they will be fighting each other at the T effectively pushing against each other. It may be a better solution to find an appropriate Y piece instead of T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 I have to agree with Chuck that the FX6 are reliable and you will get years of service. Typical capacity of bulkheads of various sizes will have different capacities. 2 inch bulkhead will flow approximately 5110 LPH1 ½ inch bulkhead will flow approximately 3312 LPH1 inch bulkhead will flow approximately 1324 LPH¾ inch bulkhead will flow approximately 624 LPHBulkhead flow rates will also vary due to the way that they plumbed. Each 90-degree bend, T junctions and 45 degree (Y junction) will increase the friction and reduce the amount of water that can flow though it and into the filter. The size bulheads that you are using may not be able to keep up with the pumps and impact on the longevity of the pumps. Not knowing the way your tank is setup and how difficult it is to run the pipes up over the edge. If it is matter of aesthetic then this may not be an option. Can you post a picture of your tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cichlid Pete Posted July 19, 2015 Author Share Posted July 19, 2015 Thanks Chuckmeister & Ged.My tank is 6x2x2.5 which is around 850L, minus the rocks and substrate guessing 750L's of water. I was thinking around 45 fish would be my max. After reading the advice you have both given me, I will add the fish, do my weekly water changes and monitor the water.I have already got a Schego air pump running 3 airstones. As for running the pipes over the edge, it could be done with some modification to the hood and lids (I would rather no go down this road).I think I might be reading a bit to much info on the net instead of enjoying my fish.Thanks AgainPeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 GedDo those figures take into account 0.75 metre of head creating quite a pressure ? My experience is that the hoses clamped to the fitting are notorious for leaking or splitting.If backup redundancy is the the aim then hide an air driven sponge filter.There are even solar driven air pumps with battery backup to compensate for power outages. ( not sure of longevity yet )Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted July 20, 2015 Share Posted July 20, 2015 Neil the figures are based on a study by a very keen aquarist with a lot of time on his hands. I will post the link up later this evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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