FBF on canister finter return

[toehead11183]

I want to add an FBF to the return of my canister filter. I saw a lifegaurd 300 for sale pretty cheap and i want to add it inline. my canister filter runs 350gph. I heard its hell getting them started after turning them off. I turn my canisterfilter off when i feed for about 10 minutes or til the food if gone and i'll turn it off for about 30 minutes when i clean it. Will this give the FBF enough time to compact the sand or kill too much beneficial bacteria? i'd like to use it inline instead of adding another pump. i already have 3 filters 2 heaters, 2 lights and a nightlight plugged into one outlet.

 

[toehead11183]

does no one have any experience? maybe a pretty picture will help me get some replies...yes, that should help.

 

[Raul-7]

It can be done but it's difficult since you need to get the flow 'just right' to make sure that all the sand is in suspension, but not too much that it blows the sand into your main display tank. A ball-valve and quick-disconnect unions are a must.

 

[brianp]

If I were doing this, I would connect a Y-fitting to the outlet of the canister filter and then place a simple manual control valve between one branch and the FBF. The other branch will go directly into the tank. The valve will allow you to adjust the circulation within the FBF and generate back-pressure, which will redirect the excess flow to the tank.

 

[toehead11183]

what about me turning the filter off? will the sand compact?

 

[Raul-7]

The whole idea of an FBF is that the water constantly bathes each grain of sand in oxygen rich water to promote the growth of aerobic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Once the current's gone, the sand will settle and compact meaning you will quickly lose all the bacteria colonies you had.

Why do you have to turn off the filter?

 

[KABB44423]

i leave my filters running during cleaning and feeding and the cascade has a control switch on it so that u can limit the water coming in and out of it i also have the 1500 and love it

 

[toehead11183]

i turn it off during feeding so the extra food doesnt get sucked up. I have over 40 fish and that's alot of food to throw in. the frozen foods make the biggest messes. turning the filters off give the fish time to eat all the food before its sucked up into the filters.