Filter output location

[BassetsForBrown]

Hi,
I have a 90g rectangular tank with a large Oscar, and a Cascade 1000 canister filter. I've always had the output mounted on the long side, spraying in the width direction of the tank. Recently, I've read that it may be better to have the output bar mounted on the short side, spraying in the length direction instead.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[FJB]

I don’t believe it matters much for a fish like an Oscar. It could matter more for small fish which can be thrown about by the flow.
If it were me, I would add an additional filter, such as an AC 110 or 70, or even a Penguin 350. Wise redundancy, peace of mind and additional options on flow. Good luck.

 

[neutrino]

Personal preference in my opinion, I don't think one is better or worse as long as your filter is doing its job, which is the real point, after all. Most people by far have their filters/spray bars mounted in the back, in part because standard tank tops lend themselves to this-- is there an engineering reason for this, beyond convenience? I don't know. A strong enough flow going lengthwise may aesthetically be more like a river flow. In some tanks I've had spray bars pointed sideways (lengthways), in some pointed at the front of the tank. I don't see any difference, either way does the job, mainly I try to get good tank circulation.

 

[duanes]

Because oscars prefer oxbow areas of rivers I doubt it will matter.
Flow need is often dependent of what type/species fish are kept.
Swamp fish, oxbow type require little flow, just enough to meet oxygen transfer.
Some lacustrine species from large crater lakes experience laminar flow from currents, and may need more.
I prefer to keep (and have kept) rheophillic species like many Geophagines, Rheophillus, Maskaheros, or Paretroplus nourisatti and Theraps which live in riffles and even rapids which need a strong direct flow, so I point currents along the length of the tank, and usually add another powerhead to accentuate flow even more. Like the video below
Flow