Distance from gravel to filter tube?

moulieman

moulieman

AC Members
Oct 10, 2005
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Just wondering how many inches I want the end of the tube from the gravel?

The filter I got has all kinds of extensions. I have enough extension tube for abot 3 filters!!!

Is there a general rule on the distance?

It is a hang on the back type filter for a 29gallon tank.(whisper brand)

Thanks guys
 
I like mine at about 3-4" off the substrate surface.
 
its ok anywhere as long as it isn't actually under the gravel. I find it depends more on the type of fish and what you feed them.

Generally 3-4" is perfect but do a few trials and see what works best for you.
 
mines is about 4" off the gravel
 
Does it really matter as long as it's off the gravel? Or does it need to be at least an inch for some reason? I honestly don't know.
 
I set mine up at two levels. On one tank (37 tall show tank) I'm running an Emporer 280 and a Magnum H.O.T. I used the intake extension from my Emporer 400 on the 280 and cut the tube so the intake is around 3 inches off the gravel. The H.O.T. draws about mid-tank, especially since I added a fairly large sponge pre-filter to the intake. This seems to give me good circulation in the tank. The other tank (standard 55 gallon) has the 400 and a fluidized bed filter. The 400 draws about mid-tank and the fluidized bed filter is powered by a pump with pre-filter that's 2 inches off the gravel. Both situations seems to work just fine though I won't or can't say there's some "rule" or better way than another.
 
Mine is 4" off the substrate. When I set up the filter back in February, that is what the directions said was the optimal distance. I assumed it is so that no fine substrate, like the eco-complete I use, gets sucked up into the filter. This may be true or not but I think the important thing is to have the intake close to the "dirtier" water near the bottom of the tank and not positioned to suck in the "cleaner" or more oxygenated water near the top. :idea:
 
I'd think the distance doesn't matter as long as you meet two criteria:

1.) Don't impede flow (unless you want to).

2.) Don't suck up gravel that could get by the intake strainer into places where it can do damage (like the impeller).

v/r, N-A
 
Thinking about this I wonder. If the intake is high, you would get more oxygen into the filter (and bacteria) then down at the bottom. I measured the oxygen at the top and bottom of my tank but couldn't find a change. But my test kit only gives a rough idea anyway.

So does the position of the intake have any affect on the biofilter where oxygen is concerned? Or is it too small of a factor to make any diffrence?
 
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