Help with canister filter

[Oli]

Hi guys, trying to set up my first canister filter and super confused. I took of the brackets that came with it because it would not sit under the lid right. Why is the “return pipe” in this weird L shape, it will not sit right compared to the inlet pipe? Also why does it have all these holes in it? Thanks

 

[Oli]

I have put the clamp back on to stop the “inlet pipe” flopping about. (Is this the one that take water out the tank and into the filter?) however there are now big screws sticking out the back preventing it from sitting flush with the wall. There is also now no space for the return pipe to clamp on in the same space?

 

[Oli]

Pic

 

[Oli]

This just makes no sense. How the hell is this supposed to fit

 

[Oli]

Sorry for the spam! I think I’ve cracked it, does this look right to you guys?

 

[AbbeysDad]

Yes, it could be correct now. In your earlier posts, the return pipe (with the holes) is often rotated 90 degrees to make for a spray bar. However, you can do as you have for a straight return (although for a large canister, this may create excessive flow/circulation.

 

[Colin_T]

don't you love things that don't have a decent instruction booklet

glad to hear you got it worked out

 

[AbbeysDad]

"Instruction Booklet" ? Totally against the man-code! lol

 

[Oli]

Tank is finally set up and thank you so much to everyone who’s helped over the last couple months. First “big tank” and first canister filter so it’s been a learning curve. Managed to wedge the driftwood in with no slate to hold it down and the filter seems to be working no problem (There’s water coming out the end ) Have added old filter media so now waiting to cycle. Likely more problems/questions down the road! Stay tuned

 

[Colin_T]

where did you get the old filter media from?

 

[AbbeysDad]

Have added old filter media so now waiting to cycle. Likely more problems/questions down the road! Stay tuned

Remember that cycling requires decomposing organic matter to feed the bacteria...including the bacteria in that 'old filter media' in the new canister filter. You might add some plants, especially fast growing floating plants, and a fish or two to get things off to a good start. (see cycling a new aquarium).

 

[Oli]

I won’t be able to get any fish in the tank until at least Monday, is it worth adding any fish food to “feed” the bacteria. I could move 5 Cherry barbs from a 60litre into the new tank until Monday but then would have to move them back and would feel bad about giving them all that room then moving them back so quickly and stressing thrm

 

[AbbeysDad]

I won’t be able to get any fish in the tank until at least Monday, is it worth adding any fish food to “feed” the bacteria. I could move 5 Cherry barbs from a 60litre into the new tank until Monday but then would have to move them back and would feel bad about giving them all that room then moving them back so quickly and stressing thrm

Since you added filter medium from an established, healthy tank, you should be fine as long as you add fish slowly to allow bacteria populations to build proportionately.