Canister filter sequence...

[sageautumn]

I have a Fluval 305, and in reading responses to a prior question, I have a new question.

My canister has three baskets, seperated into six sections. What is the order the water flows through the sections?

Intake Outflow
A X (baskets)
B Y (baskets)
C Z (baskets)

I have it currently set up with polishing pads in A and X, biofilters (SeaChem Matrix) in B and Y, and mechanical filter (ceramic tubes) in C and Z. Thinking of how water may flow... it should either hit A and X first, then come back up somehow... ...or go ABC, ZYX.

I guess I never thought the dividers in the center of the baskets would be enough of a barrier to actually direct the water, but in reading the responses and after looking at my filter baskets... I'm having second thoughts.

Suffice to say... I think I'm doing it wrong. And boy, do I feel silly for not thinking of it earlier.

(I don't use carbon, and I don't use ammonia removers either. I do, however, have Matrix in with the polishing pads also.)

 

[BoredAgain]

The water goes through the 1st basket (bottom) first and continues to the top before returning to the tank. How you have it setup is fine, or you could move the polishing pads down and bio up. I keep whatever I use to polish my water on top for easy maintenance because it clogs faster.

Also, get familiar with your equipment: http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/Fluval_series5_manual.pdf

 

[sageautumn]

The water goes through the 1st basket (bottom) first and continues to the top before returning to the tank.

I feel stupid... but... if the water doesn't go through the ABC baskets first... ..how does it get to the bottom?

 

[BoredAgain]

Read the manual...it shows a nice cross section of your filter, you will be able to see how the water flows through it.

 

[The Zigman]

You can download your manual here:
http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/Fluval_series5_manual.pdf

this is a screenshot of the diagram:

 

[sageautumn]

Oh wow.

I see what I was doing/thinking now. (And if possible, feel more ditzy.) I wasn't taking into account the four rough foam/pre-filters, as being on the side of the canister.

Thanks!

(And your light post should be an article or a sticky, if it's not... it's very interesting.)

 

[BoredAgain]

(And your light post should be an article or a sticky, if it's not... it's very interesting.)

I agree.

 

[The Zigman]

Oh wow.

(And your light post should be an article or a sticky, if it's not... it's very interesting.)

Where is this post? - nevermind, I found it!

 

[sageautumn]

It is the "Need Light?" link in the signature of BoredAgain's posts.