Fluval FX6 dual hookup Question?

[mrdee]

I understand there are disadvantages to this modification but has anyone ever hook up two Fluval Canisters into one intake and return tube? This is mainly for aesthetics in trying to eliminate the extra tubes in the background.

 

[celebrist]

Sounds problematic, how about zip tie the two lines together

 

[Blakewater]

The main issue is that the pipe only allows for so much water to be moved at one point. Having two on one tube doesnt mean you get the benefit of two smashed into one. I don't know exactly how thick the tubing is but I'm sure fluval made it as wide and as thin as necessary to maximize the water movement from the one motor. When you add two motors on to that all you get is the filtration equivalent of one motor with the electrical bill of two motors. You could hook them both up to a splitter that connects to one thicker tube perhaps, but then you'll still have an even bigger tube to look at. Why not just buy a background?

 

[Oscar Mike]

It's possible but like blakewater said you would need to scrap all the fluval 7/8" tubing and build your own intake/outlet. You would need to accommodate for theoretically 1850gph (925gph each) so I would probably go with 1.25" so the fittings don't restrict the flow.

I recently bought an fx5 without hoses and built them using 1" reinforced vinyl hose connected to a barb fitting at the tank and glued elbows to go over the edge.

If I had to do it over I would use 2ft washer drain hose from the fx5 connected to a tee and hard PVC the rest of the way because vinyl hose was $3.50 a foot at a plumbing store. The stuff at Lowe's and home depot is all crap and kinks or doesn't fit the fx5 valves. I also painted everything black and built a spray bar which provides better surface agitation and looks better IMO.

 

[fishdance]

If you want to hide all the filters, why don't you drill the tank bottom. Two holes per canister. Just make sure all your canisters have double taps.