I recently read on these forums that a cannister filter can have its pipes drilled to prevent it from draining the tank, though I'm not 100% sure on how it works because the post was a little unclear...
Is the method to drill a hole in the inlet and outlet pipes (assuming the latter are sumberged) about an inch below the regular water levels, so that if the water goes below these the suction will be broken, and the flow of water will be broken? If so, how big a hole is needed - about 3mm in diameter?
When draining the tank (on purpose
) will this pose a problem for when it is refilled, in regards to the pump being primed? Or is it simply a case of turning the filter back on and the remaining water in the inlet pipe being enough to start up the gravity suction again?
Also, when setting up the cannister filter, is it a good idea to soak the ends of the tubes in boiling water to loosen them up to set them over the pipes? This has helped me in the past, especially to force more of the hard plastic pipes into the softer tubes, however I'm not sure if this creates a better seal - my guess is that it is, but guess-work can kill fish sometimes
Another question (bare with me
) is in regards to using clamps to attach tubes to pipes - what sort are the best, and is this even necessary? Is it also a good idea to seal the whole thing up with silicon, or is this ineffective?
Any other methods for preventing a disaster?
regards,
Richie^Rich
Is the method to drill a hole in the inlet and outlet pipes (assuming the latter are sumberged) about an inch below the regular water levels, so that if the water goes below these the suction will be broken, and the flow of water will be broken? If so, how big a hole is needed - about 3mm in diameter?
When draining the tank (on purpose
) will this pose a problem for when it is refilled, in regards to the pump being primed? Or is it simply a case of turning the filter back on and the remaining water in the inlet pipe being enough to start up the gravity suction again? Also, when setting up the cannister filter, is it a good idea to soak the ends of the tubes in boiling water to loosen them up to set them over the pipes? This has helped me in the past, especially to force more of the hard plastic pipes into the softer tubes, however I'm not sure if this creates a better seal - my guess is that it is, but guess-work can kill fish sometimes
Another question (bare with me
) is in regards to using clamps to attach tubes to pipes - what sort are the best, and is this even necessary? Is it also a good idea to seal the whole thing up with silicon, or is this ineffective?Any other methods for preventing a disaster?
regards,
Richie^Rich
