SunSun filter --split to 2 tanks?

[CatsMeowww]

So here is my idea. I have a sunsun filter that is currently set up on a 30 long. It is too much flow, and there's no flow control on this particular filter.

My idea is to put splitters on the intake and outake, to use it to filter two 30 longs side by side. Do you guys/gals think it would equally filter both tanks?

[dixienut]

personally; IF it could be done,..... this filter could not handle it ,.. imo only and yes i have one,...

[PaulJ69]

I think it would be a overflow waiting to happen. One side gets the intake clogged up, no water going out, but more water coming in. The only way possible without overflowing it drilling the tanks, but you may not want to do that.

[CatsMeowww]

yeah, that was my concern too..overflow in the event of a clog...

Do you know of any way that might reduce the flow? It is just too strong for my 30 gal, but i like the filter, and don't want to have to go out and buy another one if possible...I've tried moving the spraybar to different positions in the tank, but it doesn' seem to matter.

[tyler79durdan]

The only way possible without overflowing it drilling the tanks, but you may not want to do that.

Why? its a great experience the first time you drill...


So here is my idea. I have a sunsun filter that is currently set up on a 30 long. It is too much flow, and there's no flow control on this particular filter.

My idea is to put splitters on the intake and outake, to use it to filter two 30 longs side by side. Do you guys/gals think it would equally filter both tanks?

Why not install ball valves in line with hoses and adjust flow that way?

Also why risk disease in both tanks should you have a problem in one?

-Aaron

[CatsMeowww]

That is a good point. I like the ball-valve idea...I'll look into that.

Would it create a lot of back-pressure on the pump that way?

[CWO4GUNNER]

Iv looked into this idea using an FX5 to filter two side by side 80 tall tanks and although it is possible requires too much additional gear and rigging to be worth the effort. Personally I own and use a Sunsun canister and while I consider them a real bargain for stacked canister performance, I don't consider it a powerhouse filter with too much flow for even a 20 gallon. What you should do is just install a DIY out-flow PVC T splitter from your local hardware sprinkler supply ($1) with two hoses ($2) to opposite ends of the tank which will solve your perceived high flow problem but give you a very clean tank. If your concerned about power usage buy a $5 timer and set the filter to 60 minutes on by 30 minutes off perpetually, something I do with all my FX5 and it really saves on power with no discernible loss of performance. In fact they actually perform better and last longer between maintenance.

Then buy another new $45 Sunsun canister filter on ebay which is less then it would cost you to buy and install additional gear and rigging to make your first idea come true.

[CatsMeowww]

Thanks for that, Gunner. I not so worried about the power usage (although your solution sounds like its worth trying).

I have angelfish in the 30 gal, and just am trying to keep the water movement to a minimum. I like the sprinkler idea...I think I will try that.

On a side note, I got the SunSun with the UV bulb for the heck of it. I was just curious as to how well it could work as part of a filter. We'll see!

[WeedCali]

if you do the ball valve idea, make sure you put the valve on the output rather than the input.

[Mgamer20o0]

do you have the output as a spray bar? what you can just do is just angle it at the glass this will diffuse the flow.

[CWO4GUNNER]

That's what I do with my FX5's. One of my 120 tall tanks (48x31) has large angels and silver dollars and they do great with my FX5 nozzle pointed at the corner disperses allot of flow quite well with no ill effects.

[CatsMeowww]

Yeah, I tried it, but I from what I could tell, it created this downchurn...maybe I'll try it again, as I've kind of rearranged the tanks. As an update, the UV doesn't seem to do much, but it has only been on for about 2 days...we'll see.

[Star_Rider]

I don't have the sun sun but I have the catalina(2) on 29's.. with the spray bar it has a lot of movement.. I took the spray bar off one tank and placed the return on the opposite end..I hardly notice the flow.. the angels don't mind it in either tank

[cichlidude]

Put a clamp on the output hose...