HOB Filter Intake Extension?

lateinningmagic

Call Me E-Man
Apr 14, 2009
711
0
0
35
New York
Hi, I have a HOB filter rated for 55 gallons in my 37g tank. Since the 37g is so tall, the filter intake doesn't even reach halfway down the tank. I was wondering if adding some sort of extension could help with filtration? I have 2 Air stone strips on opposite sides of the tank (parallel to the side walls) to help with circulation and surface agitation.

Would a longer filter intake help at all or not?

If so, could I make myself one, or maybe buy a replacement intake tube and connect it to the existing tube?
 
what kind of filter?
 
Probably a dumb question, but have you already extended the existing intake tube?
 
Probably a dumb question, but have you already extended the existing intake tube?

Yes. Not a dumb question, because I didn't extend it on my 20g tank filter for 2 months. lol

you could probably contact the filter company and get some "replacement" extension tubes and put em in

assuming the filter is powerful enough to pull the water up that distance you can get an extension tube or two

I think this might be a moot point. I just went to check my filter, and it's not working. The last 2 times I did large WC I've had a tough time getting it to start back up again. Grr. Going to have to take it out and give it a good cleaning.
 
If you ever need intake or outflow extension tubing that is very reasonable and comes in black plastic, try and snag a piece of free 1/2" ID or 5/8" ID black lawn sprinkler tubing anywhere you see landscaping going on. Or you can just take your extension with you to Lowe's and try it out on both sizes as your filter tube end should fit snugly either inside or over one of those 2 sizes. Cost for the smallest length is about $3 for 25 feet, enough to last a life time or cut and sell on Ebay lol. Even though its coiled a bit stiff a cut off piece will straiten with warm hand manipulation (don't force it) in just a few minutes and will remain strait.
 
Seem like you need one or two of the part "C" intake extensions from this page:
http://www.petsolutions.com/Default.aspx?ItemID=30101843

If the pump isn't working well, you might be due for an impeller replacement (also conveniently listed).

Also, I don't believe that extensions make a big difference in flow, assuming your water level is the same. The lift height starts from the water line, not the bottom of the intake.
 
If you ever need intake or outflow extension tubing that is very reasonable and comes in black plastic, try and snag a piece of free 1/2" ID or 5/8" ID black lawn sprinkler tubing anywhere you see landscaping going on. Or you can just take your extension with you to Lowe's and try it out on both sizes as your filter tube end should fit snugly either inside or over one of those 2 sizes. Cost for the smallest length is about $3 for 25 feet, enough to last a life time or cut and sell on Ebay lol. Even though its coiled a bit stiff a cut off piece will straiten with warm hand manipulation (don't force it) in just a few minutes and will remain strait.


Thanks for the suggestion. That $3 for 25ft is uber cheap. :D

I got the filter running again btw, seems that it won't run when the intake tubing is placed firmly with the motor. It has to be a bit loose.:repost:
 
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