Help with Fluval set up pls

[cichlid70gal]

I recently recieved a used Fluval 304 with Smooth hose and a 60ish gal tank, i though everything was fine when after about a week i relized there was a flim on the surface and my 3 lone cichlids where not looking so happy( JD, Electric yellow and a Jewel) So i started researching and relized that the output on my filter is missing a small piece which allows the outflow to pass out the bottom of the output stem( horseshoe shaped) OK so i have a new output waiting for me at the store but it seams like if the water is going to flow from where it should that my water level will have to be right at the top of my tank. Seems like a big mess waiting to happen.
there was parts to a 204 with everything that i recieved. I will try to upload a photo but mine is smooth hose and the input and output are attached at the top of the tank but a plastic piece that sits over the edge of the tank. So my questions are is this the right input/output set up ?And do i have any other options for a different set up? Thanks

 

[epond83]

Well with the original set up the hose goes ove the edge and you can use this to adjust the hieght of the output nozzle. A better picture of how the output attaches to the hose whould help. But maybe a short peice of vinal hose could move the output nozzle down a bit so you get more surface aggitation at asafe water level.

You could also build a spray bar and attach it to the output hose.

 

[cichlid70gal]

ok i will try to get a better pic

 

[vr6fan]

hmm thats strange I have a 305 and the input and output are completely separate from one another...maybe the 304 has that connected input/output and they changed it on the 305? I had a 205 that has the same input/output as in your pic are you sure its correct? either way get the newer 305 hoses and your problem is solved you can put the output lower in the water the way you have it in the pic is too high and asking for trouble

 

[cichlid70gal]

thanks, i thought someting was wrong, there were parts from two filters included but only one set of hoses. I will get the 305 ones, thanks again.