FLUVAL FX5 Intake mod question

[illbethejudge]

Hi. i recently made a spray bar for my fx5 and it works perfect but i was wondering if modifying the intake would affect filter performance.
What i am planning to do is put a PVC "T" where the strainer is and then 2 pieces of PVC 2 feet long on each side with a strainer in each end.
thanks in advance.

 

[nossalucard]

Should work fine as long as the intakes are connected via at least 1inch (or larger) PVC/tubing, so it doesn't cavitate from trying to take in more than your custom intake "rigging" allows.

Essentially you obviously want to make sure you're not constricting the intake, as that is bad for pumps. It's always better to restrict output rather than intake, and the stock supplied valves themselves work great for that. I adjust my output as needed during feeding, etc....

 

[PseudaSmart]

Sounds good in theory but one side will always draw better than the other. Then as the strainers pick up debris suction will again change. I've tried similar things in the past and as stated above adjusting outlet is much easier.

 

[illbethejudge]

the spray bar is made out of 3/4 pvc but it has 62 holes made with a 13/64 drill bit. i was planning to do the intake out of 3/4 thinking that it would be ok.

 

[PseudaSmart]

No harm in trying! The only way to find out. Good luck.

 

[Experiment397]

I'm modifying my fx5 to run off 2 overflow/surface intakes that will be 1" pvc then connect to a 1.5" line to the filter. Then 1" output to a 36" spray bar. I'll be running a co2 reactor and media reactor on mine as well. Co2 on the intake after they meet up and media reactor piggybacked off the return line for a super low flow media tower running at <40 gph.