XP3 Positioning

[ecal468]

Well, it's me again with yet another question.

I'm setting up the tank with the 2 XP3's and wanted to ask what the best position is for the intake/output.

Right now the 2 spray bars are located on opposite sides of the tank, facing each other, about 4 inches from the water level. They are pointed slightly up for some surface agitation. The two intakes are in the middle, about an inch away from each other and a few inches from the gravel.

Will this provide some good circulation and filtration?

I tried to draw a picture, but it didn't come out so well.

Thanks.

[Bderick67]

By the way you describe it, the outside bootm corners are not getting much circulation. I would move the intakes to the outside corners below the spray bars. This way water is flowing to the middle of th tank at surface, then forced down in the middle and outward across the substrate towards the intakes.

[12 Volt Man]

another thing you could do is use one spraybar and one powerjet.

the powerjet is really good for circulation and water surface movement if you aim slightly upwards.

[ecal468]

Would it be ok to place the intakes at the back corners and have the spraybars/powerjets on the side of the tank? It seems like this would create two equal spheres of circulation.

Sound alright?

Thanks.

[12 Volt Man]

it would be fine, although I like to have the powerjet pointing front to back.

this is because the jet of water deflects off of the front panel of glass and creates even more water movement and agitation.

here are some shots of my power jet in action, one with a full tank, one with it drained down a bit:LOL

[ecal468]

Aaahhhhh, I see. Do you have another one setup on the other side of the tank also?

[12 Volt Man]

actually. no.

I do have an AquaClear 110 on there, close to the XP.

I have the AC jammed against the output of the XP as extra insurance that one of the monster 18 inch barbs that I have does not knock it out of my tank, draining it down to the intake...

its a 90 gallon tank (48 inches long)

[Bderick67]

Would it be ok to place the intakes at the back corners and have the spraybars/powerjets on the side of the tank? It seems like this would create two equal spheres of circulation.

Sound alright?

Thanks.

That is how my 120 is set up, it works very well.


12 volt those barbs are freaking huge, very cool.

[ecal468]

Alright thanks a lot for the info fellas. When the fish mature I might add an AC110 in the middle just for added filtration.

Thanks again. I'm sure I'll be back with some more questions soon enough.