external filter set-up...no instructions!!!!!

[gfunk101uk]

hi, i am setting up a tank that i bought from a friend, it is ten years oldbut never been used. with it is an INTERPET MARATHON 400
external filter, with LOADS of bits all new in the box.. but no instructions.
its my first external filter, and i cant find any instructions on the internet.

i have it peiced together ok, but whereabouts in the tank do i place the 'spreader bar' (return) and the inlet pipe? does the position matter?

please help guys, im sure it it must be similar to modern filters!

thanx giles

 

[patoloco]

To my limited understanding, you sould place the sprayer bar as far from the filter inlet to maximize the filter capabilities. This way, you'll make sure the water will be flowing from one side to the other, and that you will not pick recently filtered water.

If posible, have the sprayer bar at least 1 inch over the water surface, so the splashing will help with the gases interchange proccess. This way, depending on the load of your aquarium, you might not need an air pump.

 

[gfunk101uk]

ok

thanx, i got it assembled ok in the end, (no leaks) but had to put the spray bar about 1/4 inch under the suface, because the splashes were too great, it really ripples the surface a lot too, which is good.i have an air pump running an airstone under some ornamental rocks too.

after filling the tank with water, i was amazed how quick this filter cleared up the water!! so far.. impressed!!

thanx, giles