FX4 and Blowing Sand

[DAM]

I recently set up a 125 with sand substrate and an FX6. I have both output nozzles pointed downward toward the sand, so as to move waste toward the other end of the aquarium. I figured the results would be the same with an FX4 on a 90 and sand substrate (same as the 125, Carib Sea black and PFS sand, 40 pounds black to 50 pounds PFS). The pinched nozzles move the sand, even causing a rut about halfway along the back of the tank. I moved the nozzle alignment a little higher to stop the blowing. With the higher nozzle position I'm afraid I'll lose the benefit of waste movement. I'm also concerned that the jet-like output will not work my intended stocking--Electric Blue Acara (male), Nicaraguense (female), and Cryptoheros Chetumalensis (male and female)--waiting in quarantine. My options are buy an FX6 output, or build a spraybar.

Has anyone else had this issue with the FX4? Did you swap output nozzles or go the DIY spraybar route?

 

[cwj108]

I dont have any FX filters but the hydors I use come with the option to have a spray bar and once I tried that, thats all I have used. I have spray bar below water level and angled slightly upward to cause surface agitation. For water movement I use a small power head angled toward the other end where the intake is. I dont point it at the sand so I don't move it around but just the flow it creates, and the water movement, things dont settle on the sand and eventually get into the intake.

 

[HarleyK]

I routinely widen the holes in the spray bars of my canisters with a drill. I found that the fish I keep like dispersed flow better, and it causes less disturbance with plants and substrate. Some filters I throttle the output, too.

 

[DAM]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm new to sand substrate. With gravel I never had waste blow toward the intake; probably an issue with the gravel and not enough flow from the canister. Looks like I need to experiment with a spraybar. May be my 125 could benefit from one as well.