Question about Fluval

Aqualung

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Jan 31, 2004
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I finally bought my first cannister filter, a Fluval 204. After getting it set up I was reading through the manual and it says to keep the output ABOVE water level. I don't want it above the surface - kind of defeats one of the reasons I went for a cannister. I positioned the output a couple of inches below the surface, and it is working fine.

Can anyone tell me why they recommend keeping the output above the water?
 
More than likely to promote oxygen exchange. Dont worry it wont hurt anything to have the return under water....I assume you're using it on a planted tank.
 
Yes, it's for a planted tank. I couldn't think of any reason why I shouldn't have it underwater, but the manual made it seem like it was a bad idea.
 
Aqualung said:
Yes, it's for a planted tank. I couldn't think of any reason why I shouldn't have it underwater, but the manual made it seem like it was a bad idea.


I had the same question about mine not too long ago. Mine is under water and I have not had any problems out of it. If you actually reread the instructions about 5 times (I think that is when I noticed it) it actually does state somewhere else to put it under the water. I THINK that the above water point is only during the priming but I am not 100% sure.

On my instruction sheet step 28 is what makes me think that. It says "In order to start the water flow, ensure that the output nozzle (o) is above the water surface."

Step 26 above it say "It is recommended to place it at or slightly below the water surface."
 
Aqualung said:
Thanks - I guess I just didn't notice the part about placing it under the surface.

I never noticed it either. It is a very confusing way that they put it in there. I was actually rereading the instructions looking for something else when I finally found it.
 
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