Water flow with multiple filters running.

[Cich wit it]

Im looking to run 2 eheim canister filters on my new 120g 60x18x26 and I wanted to know, for those of you with multiple canister filters, How do you have your return hose positioned?

I was thinking of 3 different ways:

1) Running one on one side of the tanks and the other on the other side of the tank so that both sides have their own indepndant filter. And also running the return hose from front to back on both sides. Both filters side by side in a mirror image.

OR

2) Same independent setup but the returns are facing each other on wither ends of the tank from left to right, and right to left.

OR

3) Both intakes on the same side of the tank and both return on the opposite side. One right under the other.

I was thinking of going with #1 but I just wanted some insight by member whos gone through the trial and error of this setup. Thanx.

 

[knifegill]

Option 3 I like number three the best, since it would promote good use of current for moving waste out of the tank.

Option 2 Facing the returns toward each other seems like wasted energy since they'd lose a lot of their momentum where they meet, but you'd still get okay filtration.

Option 1 And I think, if I'm interpreting it correctly, option number one would create a nice barrel roll through the length of the tank. That could work out fine, if the fish don't mind!

 

[dirtbikerider]

I will be setting up a new tank soon aand planned on using option 3. Just seemed like the best way to have good water movement in the tank to me atleast. It would seem like the water was "flowing" kind of like in a river

 

[Cich wit it]

Option 3 does seem optimal for circulation the more I think about it. It also gives you the powerhead effect. Anyone with a tried and true method?

 

[TxSharker]

I run two cannisters and what I have done is put both intakes on the back of the tank one left one right. if you are looking at the tank the return on thr left faces to the right along the back of the tank and the one on the right faces the front of the tank at abou a 45 degree angle so its not just slamming into the front. this creates a constant current in the tank and will get the waste moving by the filters so it can be picked up. The reason I put an intake on each side of the tank is so there would be two chances to pick up the waste. This will be complimented by a spray bar as soon as I figure out how to do the sump filter. I like to slightly over filter by like 5 or 6 times than needed lol. hope this helps
TS

 

[CA-Delta]

It's kinda' hard to answer this with any degree of accuracy.
Without knowing how your tank is laid out it's all guess work.
Water flow is fairly predictable, but, you need a little more detail to give a decent answer.
Show your current setup and it's percieved weakness' and you will get a more accurate answer. If there is no "current setup" I guess I would put the inlet's in each rear corner down low and return , top center.
$.02

 

[PostalPenguin]

Here's my setup on my 29g with two canisters:
Left side has intake for 2213 and output of 2236 aimed at surface and to the right.
Middle has ouput of 2213 aimed down and to the right.
Right side has intake of 2236.

This setup creates a nice "whirlpool" effect through the tank that drives the debris into either intake.