Ground Level Tank Filtration

[kjb66]

I have a 48x12x12 tank only 2.5 inches above ground level and it is filtered at the moment by 2 internal fluval plus filters and i want to change to a fluval 205 external but i am not sure if it will work being at ground level (and i cant go digging holes in the living room ) I need to change it because its a planted tank and it getting a bit of a nightmare getting to and cleaning the filters etc if anybody can give me some advice i would be gratefull
cheers karl

 

[bobf]

I had a very similar question - see here

External filter placement

I sent an email to Eheim too and here's what they said;

Thank you very much for your inquiry by email. It is not possible to install an external filter next to the aqurium. All EHEIM external filters have to be installed at least 10 cm under the water surface (with the pump head) - because all EHEIM pumps can not suck the water alone (also during the operation).

I hope that this information is helpful for you.

I think the answer is as long as you have more than 10cm water level above the level of the top of the filter you'll be okay. If not, another approach is needed. In my case, I've gone for the external 'hang on the back' type filter - may use a popwerhead type filter too.

 

[Tolak]

I have an Eheim Ecco on the same level as a 20 long. It's been working fine for quite a while. It just sits next to the tank & keeps filtering.

 

[kjb66]

Thanks for the help i think im going to risk it priming is going to be the only problem i clean my tank by the sython method so it could work if not ill use it on the tank above so i wont have wasted my money.i just wanted to have a bit of a deal at my lfs on 2 external units.

 

[bobf]

I have an Eheim Ecco on the same level as a 20 long. It's been working fine for quite a while. It just sits next to the tank & keeps filtering.

Thats exactly what I would have expected - it's probably Eheim being cautious when they told me it wont work. I can't see why it shouldn't.

 

[The-Wolf]

my 82g tank is at the same height off the ground and I too use an Eheim to filter it, well two actually.
the best way to prime it(for me) is to start it off in the tank above, then close the tap and reposition the pipes in the ground tank.
once it is primed it dosn't have to be done again,cleaning consists of closing the taps and cleaning , then turning the taps back on.

 

[kjb66]

i bought the filter (fluval 205) and bingo it works primed it up and away it went i had such a tight area to work in there was some bad language being used but its done now just got to install the 105 on my top tank should be easy anyone know how long i have to wait to take my internal filters out ,i mean how long untill i have a good bacteria build up in the new filter and i left the carbon out what should i put in there instead

 

[stegoodall]

could you use a powerhead to pump water to the canister instead of a syphon?