Canister Filter

[abcdefghi]

So during the WC today, my filter died :( Not happy, I had to run out and buy something, the only thing I could afford was a Cascade 700. I have some questions about the setup.

I wanted to use as much media from my HOB as possible (Aquaclear 110) so I cut the sponge up and jammed as much into the bottom media basket as I could, I then put a new sponge that came with the filter on top of that. In the next basket I put a layer of the floss, then all the bio balls from my Aquaclear, and then another layer of floss. Is this OK?

Also, I am setting it up to use the spray bar, but if I push it all the way down the U part of the exhaust pipe is about 4" above the tank. Is that normal? and finally, the spray bar currently sits below the water surface, is that also OK?

Oh, one more thing. I had read about people putting a hole somewhere in the tubing on canister filters to prevent them from emptying the tank during a power outage, where do I put this hole?

And, now its all plugged in, what am I likely to have missed that is preventing it from filling with water?

Thanks.

[Cory Keeper]

ehh? Its unusual for an aqua clear to just quit, you try cleaning the impeller?

And I wouldn't put a hole in any part of the tubing, maybe a tiny hole in the intake tube, even then. If your canister filter emptys your tank, more like a seal not seated correctly.

[OldMan47]

The canister probably will not prime itself. It needs to be filled before being plugged in. Did you get the instructions with the filter? They should tell you how to prime it before it gets plugged in. Some you manually fill the filter, some have a pump system for priming and some, like my Rena, have a funnel that you use to fill the tubing and then let the siphon action from the tank fill the filter.

[ITHURTZ]

Cascade has a button on top that you use to prime your filter. I fill the canister up my self then prime the hose via the button. The canister wont empty your tank unless the outlet hose falls out. The filter wont gain prime if your seals are broke, and I sure hope you would see the water leaking if the seals are bad.

[tonytheboss1]

:) The 'syphon hole' you're refering to is more for a wet/dry or sump setup. Your seeding the can from your A/C media is fine. Initial prime via the 'pump' button can be tricky somtimes. Filling the can partially might help. (not a Cascade fan). As stated, break down & gently clean out impellor well on that A/C before tossing. You might be surprised. "T"

[petluvr]

If you are planning to throw out the AC and haven't done so yet I would be willing to meet you anywhere between bentonville and front royal to pick it up instead of you throwing it out. I am always on the lookout for stuff like that-never know when something may come in handy-besides one mans trash is anothers treasure:)

[Mgamer20o0]

you sure the ac filter is dead?

[chenya]

I agree with Mgamer20o0. Is it really dead? I have had my AC for at least 15 years. Never once had a problem with it and it is still running.

[rinmouse]

I had thought that mine was dead after a power outage. Didn't turn back on, didn't even feel or sound like it was on. As per others instructions, cleaned it, put back together and like magic it worked again.

[Que]

The cascade 1000 I have was a bit tough to prime but I found that ya have to give the prime button a few really hard, quick pumps and you should hear the water start flowing. Be sure the valves are open.

Q

[abcdefghi]

Q, that was what it was with mine, I had to give it a few hard pumps, not the 4 as per the instructions.

I have not yet thrown out the AC filter, took it apart and it still did not work, but I did not give it a thorough check over as I was worried about finding somewhere open on a Sunday to pick up a new filter if I needed one. Will strip it down at some point and check again, if I get it working I might just keep it as a back up (or eventually ditch the Eclipse system on my 29G and put the AC on there).

Anyone know which is better to use on a planted tank, the spray bar or the directional output?

[Que]

I think it depends on the application. Two of my canisters didn't come with a spray bar and so I adjusted my plantings around them. I have the output tubes pointed to the front glass which disperses the flow all around. With the cascade I used the spray bar and I like this because I get nice and even flow through the whole tank. I think the angels like it better but I don't know if it really makes much of a difference for the plants.

Q

[ITHURTZ]

I never listen to the instructions I keep pumping until it satisfies me. (yaya insert joke here)

[abcdefghi]

OK, so after having this running for a couple days I have some questions. Whats the best way to stop it from blowing my plants/substrate all over the place? At the moment the spraybar is just below the surface blowing across the top of the tank. I have playsand as the substrate, and its blowing it all over (leaves are covered in sand).

Also, since putting the filter in my rummynose tetra are hiding, and I noticed today my angel is not eating like he usually does. Are they just not fans of the new current and will get used to it? I checked ammonia (as a precaution since its a new filter) and its at 0. My plecos and cories appear happy enough, its just the angel and tetras that are not acting as usual.

[ITHURTZ]

You got the 700 in a 29gal? 6.379 times per hr shouldnt be that big of a problem

Maybe put the spray bar lower in the tank and point it up more towards the surface so its not creating a river like effect? My filter came with a outlet where I can split it 2 ways, straight and 90 degree.

[abcdefghi]

You got the 700 in a 29gal? 6.379 times per hr shouldnt be that big of a problem

Maybe put the spray bar lower in the tank and point it up more towards the surface so its not creating a river like effect? My filter came with a outlet where I can split it 2 ways, straight and 90 degree.

No, the 700 is on the 55G. If I can get my AC110 working again it might end up on the 29G.

I think I will just play around with the spray bar to get it where I want it, I moved it up a little and its not blowing as much around. But still a good amount. I kinda like the look of the plants moving, and my cories and plecos like it. I am also sure the angel and tetras would get used to it, but the sand being blown all around is a headache.

And an update, I tore down the AquaClear. Plugged it in again and the impeller turned for about a second and then stopped, closer inspection reveals a chunk missing out of the post that the impeller sits on. I can hear the motor running, but its not turning anything. Looks like it will at least need a new impeller / motor. Will leave it in the closet for now, and eventually see about getting replacement parts.

[ITHURTZ]

this is all in ur 55gallon then?

[abcdefghi]

this is all in ur 55gallon then?

Yep, in the 55G I have 1 angel, 8 peppered corys, 4 rummynose tetra, and 2 rubberlip pleco, tank is planted and has the canister filter.

The 29G has a pair of angels, and 5 otos, has an Eclipse hood/filter (which may end up being replaced with the AC110). Tank is also planted. And lastly I have a planted 10G with a single betta.

[ITHURTZ]

Weird I had the cascade 1000 and a 300gph powerhead when I had my 55 gallon and nothing got blown around. I did have fine gravel. Who knows. In my 180 gal I have a 1500gph pump above the sand and as long as I dont point the outlet at the sand it stays put... I guess its all about positioning.

[abcdefghi]

Yeah, the playsand is a real fine sand and gets blown about easily. I am debating switching it for pool sand or something heavier in a couple months. It needs a good amount of aquascaping done, plants that have grown are looking a mess and I need to spend some time clearing everything up.

At the moment I just want to get my angel and tetras back out and acting normal. I need to increase the school of rummys, but the stock in any of the LFS near here is really poor lately.

[Que]

If you want to decrease the flow then adjust the output valve to get the results you want. If you try to adjust the intake valve then a negative internal pressure can develop causing the canister to suck in air from the smallest of gaps in the seal creating a noisy filter. If you use a sponge prefilter then clean it often to avoid negative canister pressure also.

Q