Eheim filter mod

[xVitox]

So I have an eheim pro ii 2028 that I purchased online. When I went to set it up I found two problems.
1) the spray bar is too long for the side of my 55 I wish to put it on.
2) the intake tube is too long, so at full length it buries the intake in my sand.

Can a saw fix this? Or is that a bad idea? Or do they sell smaller tubes?

 

[pjrichar]

i usually cut all mine to whatever size i want

 

[Sploke]

The spray bar tube I have on mine is sectioned so you might be able to pop off one of the sections to make it shorter. For the intake, I don't see why just cutting it shorter wouldn't work.

 

[xVitox]

The spray bar tube I have on mine is sectioned so you might be able to pop off one of the sections to make it shorter. For the intake, I don't see why just cutting it shorter wouldn't work.

I find that sometimes the easy awesome way I come up wih first can end up backfiring....that and I told my gf what I was gonna do and she gave me the "I don't think you should start sawing the new $150 filter" look haha

 

[dudley]

It is acceptable to trim the spray bar and J-tube to length for your specific requirements. If you later upgrade to a taller tank, just add a length of hose to the intake J-tube to extend it.

 

[jcahow]

Eheim has two different intake/spraybar systems for these type of canister filters and filter systems are sold that contain either type in the box.

The cheaper system uses one piece green plastic tubing which is what you have. As mentioned here you can trim them to the appropriate lengths. You can purchase replacement green plastic tubing parts from a number of retailers.

The more expensive Eheim professional system has a much better design and can also be bought as an after market item if you want to switch later (intake and spraybar kits are sold seperately).

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9606

The professional systems ares modular in design (small or large tanks), blends in better (dark grey), has removalbe screw caps on top for easy priming or cleaning of attached tubing, has easy non leak tubing connections and removal, comes in two attachment tubing sizes (12/16mm or 16/22mm), is larger in diameter, and has a number of special Eheim accessories (flow monitors, diffusors, extra tubing sections, etc...).

It is an all around better intake/spraybar system and I use them on all my Eheim canisters and could be used on other brand canisters as well.

Some of Eheim's systems (especially those with included media) ship with the newer modular intake/spraybar kits and thats a great deal. Look for them to be specifically mentioned in the product description.

Personally I think the included Eheim Suction Cups are still worthless (in either system) as they get hard over time and do not stick to the tank glass anymore.

I recommend ZooMed MagClips which use non rusting black industrial magnets to hold the intake/spraybars in place as they never wear out (although they do initially cost more). I find they work great in all my tanks and also hold the tank backgrounds on as well without tape. Each MagClip comes with five different size attachments and just attach the correct size (from airline tubing to intake/spraybars). I use two on the intake and two or three on the spraybar (depending on width).

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19711

 

[Cerianthus]

Cut and with few elbows, you can make L-shape (or any shape) spray bar. Although modified Intake and Returns are OK, why buy what alreay came with filter. You can mod yourself with couple of fiitings to suit your needs.

 

[jcahow]

One other thing I forgot to mention sbout the Eheim professional modular spray bar. Because it is modular you can point the individual sections that make it up in what ever directions you want.

I use four spraybar sections for a 18" wide tank. The first and fourth I point down at 45 degrees into the tank to promote water circulation. The second and third I point up at 45 degrees towards the surface which agitates the surface for better oxygen transfer.

The spraybar also swivels on the attached end which means it can easily be placed on the long side of the tank and not just on the ends of the tank where they are normally used. This comes in handy on larger tanks where you might have the intake on the end but want the spraybar closer to the middle of the tank.

As I said before it is an all around better system regardless of what intially came with the filter and why waste time, effort, and money to build your own when Eheim has all created everything you need.