New powerheads don't "fit"

Bought 2 Marineland MaxiJet Pro MJ600 Multiuse water pumps to use as powerheads for my undergravel filter lift tubes. They are replacing Aqueon powerheads. Unfortunately for me, they are taller than the Aqueon pumps and the lids won't fit to the back. Is there a way to adjust the height of the whole thing just the undergravel adapter or will I have to adjust the height of my lift tubes (which, unless there is a secret way, is difficult, because I would have to dig out the gravel around the tubes to remove them)?

Would it be possible to shorten the intakes of the new power heads to fit the height? How much do you need to shorten? Is the intake a tapered tube that fits in the air riser? If so could you mayhaps cut off part of the intake to shorten and still have the intake fit in the riser?

I know, just questions without a stated solutions but the questions could lead to a workable solution.

jaylach said:

Would it be possible to shorten the intakes of the new power heads to fit the height? How much do you need to shorten? Is the intake a tapered tube that fits in the air riser? If so could you mayhaps cut off part of the intake to shorten and still have the intake fit in the riser?

I know, just questions without a stated solutions but the questions could lead to a workable solution.

Click to expand...

I couldn't really find a way to do that, far as I can tell. The powerhead intake tubes are tapered and don't adjust. I suspect I'll be stuck shortening the intake tubes from the undergravel filter which means a LOT of work.
Thanks.

Are not the air risers for your under gravel in two sliding sections that you could trim to fit the power heads? Actually, when using a power head, you don't even need the top part of the air risers. Just remove the top section and use plastic tubing to attach the power head to the bottom half of the air riser.

It would be VERY nice if it were in 2 sections. Simplify things nicely.
Unfortunately just one length of tubing that I Think I glued into the base to prevent it coming loose by accident. Shot myself in the foot, huh. Looks like I'll be shifting gravel.

Ended up siphoning gravel from around the base of the lift tube and was able to remove the tubes without filling the hole with gravel. Cut them off, stuck them back in, and everything works. Less work than I had anticipated.
Thanks.

Cool! I am a bit surprised that the risers are one piece. I don't recall ever seeing that. All I've had were two pieces so the height could be adjusted.