Elite Crystal Flo 60

Some help please,I have bought Fub4r's Elite pump and set it up last night (3 trays with ceramic in the bottom , sponge in the middle , and charcoal in the top).

Fub4r has suggested sponge in the bottom Matrix in the middle and purigen in the top.

The tank is a 1,2 x 45 x 45 with 2 angels 6 silver dollars 7 clown loaches and 5 corys.

What would be the best way to set this filter up. Any other suggestions?Taking into account the tank inhabitants.

 

Another Question is it ok to have 90 degree bends in the piping into and out of the tank or should I try an source circular curve bends ?

 

To answer your first question, it seems that there was some debate between myself and Zoom with regards to the best cannister setup, but I've always setup with ceramics first, then sponge, then bio media like 'Matrix' or 'Eheim Efi-Substrate Pro' followed by filter floss to remove the small bits of debris. I Do not see the need for the Charcoal unless you are looking to remove either meds from teh water or tannins from wood? Outside of that, its a waste to use it. Bare in mind that charcoal only lasts between two weeks to a month before it needs replacing.

As for the second question, having any kinks in the piping will reduce flow, and put more strain on your pump. It would be better to get a curve bend. If you are able to install the pipes so that they do not kink, then go for it, but check them regularly, as they can suddenly decide to kink!

Hope that helps?
Regards
G!

 

Thanks for the feedback: Zoom your 2 cents before i go shoping.

Ok do you know if any LFS sell piping for the elite seperate(seen pics on google with 90% curve bends) other wise i will try the DIY as a last resort?

 

Bump 4 Zooms input

 

Big G's answer was perfect.

I just prefer the sponge before the ceramic rings.

 

Thanks Zoom.
Do you possilbly know were i can get thepiping i am looking for?

 

Donny... can you post a link to the piping? Need to see it?

Would clear tubing not work?

 

Here is a pic piping on the left side.
http://cgi.ebay.de/Fluval-Elite-Crystal-Flo-60-Aussenfilter-230-L-/390110170240

 

Normally with these sized filters, the piping is 16/12, which you can get from Sams or Pet Adventure? It should have it written on the piping?

Most manufacturers tell you to only use their product, and not some cheaper variant as they obviously want to make more money, but also, they can then 'Gaurantee' the system. There should however be no issues with using another brand, as long as the piping is decent quality, and the correct size.

As for the bend, you could even go to a plumbing shop, and ask for a washing machine hose bend? That will do the same job, but may not look too good compared to the manufactureres own one? I'd reckon again though that Sams or Pet Adventure should have those parts available?

You could of course ask one of our Sponsors? Altum supplied the filter for F4bar as far as I know, so he may be able to get any parts you need?

Regards
G!

 

Hmmm... you can try places like plastic warehouses for something like that... but no idea if you would have any luck.

my solution: Clear tubing, 2 x irrigation elbows, 4 x clamps. Worked better than the u pipes IMO in any case. (This is how I do mine!)

 

LOL thats how i have it at the moment will post a pic tomorrow, its said this might cause some back pressure which is not a good thing.
Just no clamps

 

Got a sample of the piping from Fub4r when i got the filter so used this when i bought more from Northern Aqu in bothasig ,, using 12mm elbows
1st pic is on outlet an inlet
2nd pic shows outlet infront of the tank and inlet at the back higher up

 

@Donny, that's exactly how I've had my canister running for over 2 years now with no hassles. If you prepared to wait a little... a little birdy tells me that there may be some glassy solutions in the near future...

 

ok ... huh now u have confused me LOL .

 

lol, there are really kewl Glass intakes and outlets for the canisters. Just havent founf any in SA. I think that is what @Zoom is referring to

 

Hi Fub4r hope your fish is settling in nicely in there new home, yep google a bit and found some interesting stuff
If i can find anything i will DIY, dont want to stress the pump .

 

you shouldnt worry too much, I was using the irrigation bends on the via aqua 750 that I have running now and did not see a decrease in flow rate. So give it a try, they are like R7 each at stodals.

 

Ok, thanks for all the info guys really appreciate it, decided as filter media will run sponges in the bottom stray, ceramic in the middle and matrix in the top tray.
Shopping this weekend again
Dont mind shopping for fish things

 

Update
I added a additional sponge in the bottom tray , ceramic rings in the middle and bio balls in the top.
How often should i clean the filter?