Aps External Filter Height

[chris_mcr]

Do external filters need to be below the tank?

I am looking to buy the 1000lph version from all pond solutions, and only have space beside the tank to place it. But i am concerend that it will need gravity to pull the water in.

 

[Noahs ark6]

Placing it next to the tank would be fine

 

[chris_mcr]

Excelent, now to get the wife in a good enough mood not to notice

 

[ZoddyZod]

Placing it next to the tank would be fine

hmmm, I've never seen them placed at the same level of the tank. It might be ok if the inlet pipe is still above the top of the filter, not sure otherwise.

I've just read the manual, and although it doesn't actually state where it needs to be placed (helpful!) there is a picture which shows it beneath the tank. Any other external I've ever used has explicitly stated it needs to be placed below the tank.

Noah, have you had success running one that sits at the same height as the tank?

 

[Livewire88]

I used to run my APS 1000 at the side of my 100 litre puffer tank, it worked fine.

The only thing I found was it was a bit harder to prime but once all the air was out it ran without problem.

 

[chris_mcr]

Thanks fot the first hand experience everybody. Really appreciate it.

 

[OldMan47]

In general a canister filter requires being placed x amount below the tank water level. In most cases that ends up being under the tank but in the case of a very tall tank it might be on the same shelf. Each manufacturer specifies how far the filter must be placed below the water level so that the pump will be able to operate at aquarium type temperatures without running into inadequate suction head, which would quickly destroy the impeller. Most of them also have a maximum amount so that they do not end up with filter seals leaking. Let's face it, if the filter were 30 or 40 feet below the water level, the pressure on the seals would be tremendous.

 

[chris_mcr]

We finally have the replacement filter. Purchased an "aqua one aquis 1000" at a cost of £70 from a local fish shop.

Maximum head is 1.8m with no minimum specified.

1000lph is measured with filter leveled at tank and no media, 700lph with media 1.8m below the tank.

I'm rather happy with it after 12hours running.... I'm hoping it will be nice and clear tomorrow night!

 

[Mauigirl]

Placing it next to the tank would be fine

hmmm, I've never seen them placed at the same level of the tank. It might be ok if the inlet pipe is still above the top of the filter, not sure otherwise.

I've just read the manual, and although it doesn't actually state where it needs to be placed (helpful!) there is a picture which shows it beneath the tank. Any other external I've ever used has explicitly stated it needs to be placed below the tank.

Noah, have you had success running one that sits at the same height as the tank?

In general a canister filter requires being placed x amount below the tank water level. In most cases that ends up being under the tank but in the case of a very tall tank it might be on the same shelf. Each manufacturer specifies how far the filter must be placed below the water level so that the pump will be able to operate at aquarium type temperatures without running into inadequate suction head, which would quickly destroy the impeller. Most of them also have a maximum amount so that they do not end up with filter seals leaking. Let's face it, if the filter were 30 or 40 feet below the water level, the pressure on the seals would be tremendous.

Most returns are gravity fed.. your filter would dictate the result..
As a rule I'd say NO. but hey.. it could work, for a bit, with the best of impellers, for awhile,You will never get full life out of the equipment though and may experience, low flow, overheating, complete random failure ..

Bottom line, Bad idea..