Filter Intake Tube Question

[WaterBaby]

I just got a 10 Gallon Hex that I'm setting up for a Quarantine/Hospital tank.

It has an Aquaclear 200 and a UGF. My question is:

How far from the gravel should the end of the intake tube be.

This is a tall tank, and the end of the intake does not even extend halfway down the tank. I thought they should be a few inches from the gravel.

Should I try to find an extender tube at the LFS or leave it alone. Seems to me that it won't suck up as much gunk where it is.

[LMOUTHBASS]

i have read that you want to keep the intake tube 1 inch from gravel, however i dont think ive ever had mine that low, i'll have to take another look though!

[caffeine]

Do you still have the original Aquaclear 200 box and stuff? Mine came with an extention tube, maybe yours did too and you forgot about it?

[WaterBaby]

No, the tank, UGF, and filter were given to me by a neighbor. No boxes or extra stuff.

I think I know of a store that may carry parts for it, but my LFS doesn't.

Thanks for the replies.

[FASTRAKR]

BTT
Where is the end of the tube supped to be?

Just curious,

[Tightdog1]

about an inch from top of the gravel.

[Sumpin'fishy]

You will be just fine, considering that this is a supplemental filter to the UGF. The UGF will have most of the bacteria in it, as long as you don't sterilize it like a hospital tank. If it's a hospital tank, I'd ditch the UGF and use just a small HOB filter. An AC200 is lots of water turn-over for a 10 gallon hex (possibly too much current for sick fish). You may want to get a simple sponge filter, or possibly use a small internal filter, which can utilize an air-hose when necessary. Heavy airation of a hospital tank is sometimes a good idea.

Personally, I'd use it for a Betta with the UGF only. This isn't a good tank to watch fish in for signs of distress (since it has so many angles to obscure the view). It also too much trouble to get a decent filter that won't blow the fish around in. Fish that like strong current usually like room to swim also (I'm generalizing).

[Tightdog1]

yea if i were you id get a normal rectangular 10g and use that instead since they are very cheap.

[NJ Devils Fan]

You generally want to keep it about an inch or 2 from the substrate since the waste goes down.