mods for a canister - slowing current

[bemgelado]

My husband found a guy selling a Marineland C-360 on craigslist for $60, and suggested that I get it for my 20 gallon tank. It's rated at 360 gph. The HOB filter I have at the moment is only rated at 150 gph, and well, more filtration, more better, right? :hmm3grin2orange:

My concern is in regulating current. I've been planning on doing the soda bottle mod I've seen here for the HOB. Is there a mod I can do on the canister to help slow the flow? Even my minnows seem to need a break from the HOB current. And, I think that having a higher gph, means more water flowing. But, I've been known to be wrong before.

I've been wanting a canister for the flexibility it gives me in types of media. But, I don't want to blow my fish out of the water either! :help:

Thanks!

[TazManiac]

The only thing I can think of is to put a ball valve in the return line to slow the water, you would need two hose barbs and the ball valve.
This could cause premature wear on the pump though.

[Lady Hobbs]

Seems like a lot of filter for a 20 gallon. Even if it was to filter half what it says, that would be sufficient for a 50 gallon.

But I have a solution. Get a bigger tank. LOL

[Cermet]

I agree with Lady Hobbs and that is too big a filter for such a small tank.

That said, it could be used (if you already own it) if you somehow reduce the flow. A control valve is a bad idea because the motor can over heat. Rather, the only possible way (without getting a bigger tank, that is) is to use a small motor speed control. This will safely lower the rpm of the motor and allow for a reduced water flow without the danger of a pump motor over heat.

All things considered, a bigger tank would make sense since you can then keep more fish!

My two point three cents. :hmm3grin2orange:

[bemgelado]

Thanks guys! Since I can't get a bigger tank at the moment :scry: I think that I'll just pass on this filter. No sense in buying something that I'm going to have to ruin, just in order to make it work.

This is why I love this forum. You're all really just a bunch of tank enablers at heart. :19:

[chrisfraser05]

To be honest I'd say that if you run it through a long spray bar the full length of the tank you will get away with it :)

I used to run one that was rated half that one but without the spray bar and it was fine, I needed more flow so invested in a power head to supliment it (in my old 20 this is).

Another method would be to use the spray bar idea and grow lots of plants.. will slow the flow in the tank in no time :)

Trust me, I have a 300gph and a 150gph canister plus 750gph and 600gph powerheads in my 80G and with all the plants the flow has slowed right down, I think I need more!!!