Common Suction / Discharge for Cannister Filters.

[Swampgorilla]

I'm running two canister filters and right now I have two intakes and two discharges running into my tank. One intake and discharge from each canister filter.

I would like to reduce that so that each canister filter pulls off the same uptake pipe coming out of the tank and discharges into the same pipe going into the tank.

I think I could do it with PVC pipe - but I would need a "Y" fitting on the end of each pipe that I'm using for suction and discharge so that each canister could hook up to them.

Anyone know of such a fitting? Or any other ideas for accomplishing what I want to do?

 

[HarleyK]

You could get a Y hose connector barb



I am not a flow engineer and do not know if this construction would impact the filters unduly.

Besides, there is something to be said for two intakes and outlets: you have less of a chance of a dead spot, and, if correctly positioned, you'll have less detritus in your tank and more in your filters.

If you want a clean look also in the stand, just get a bigger filter.

But if you're set on the marriage of your canisters, the Y barb is for you. You may want to get one with a larger diameter for your single intake and single outlet, so that your canisters are not flow limited.

 

[ragin_cajun]

http://www.lascofittings.com/category/schedule40

You'll need a T, and an adapter with a hose barb on one end, PVC slip on the other. Then you can get a hose clamp, put your hoses into the T. You may need to experiment with different size T's and Adapters. If you know the size of the hose on your pump, you can buy an adapter with a male hose barb that will fit your hose. If not, you'll have to use a little trial and error.

 

[Swampgorilla]

You could get a Y hose connector barb

View attachment 1194742

I am not a flow engineer and do not know if this construction would impact the filters unduly.

Besides, there is something to be said for two intakes and outlets: you have less of a chance of a dead spot, and, if correctly positioned, you'll have less detritus in your tank and more in your filters.

If you want a clean look also in the stand, just get a bigger filter.

But if you're set on the marriage of your canisters, the Y barb is for you. You may want to get one with a larger diameter for your single intake and single outlet, so that your canisters are not flow limited.

I'm leaving the intakes the same - dual intakes. The problem I'm having with two discharges is current in the tank is not easily controlled. I'm raising goldfish who are the dirtiest creatures on the planet. I also have an aqua clear 110 on the tank - LOL. It's way over filtered but I have all this gear I don't want to just stow it in my garage. As I set up new tanks - I can always pull a canister off this tank (they're cycled already) and use it almost immediately to set up a new tank or hospital tank.)

 

[HarleyK]

If current is your issue, you can simply drill the holes in the spray bar larger, drill more holes, or put a sleeve of very coarse foam over it. They're sold as pre-filters, but I use them over my power head outlets in my smaller tanks to diffuse current.