fluval problems...

Jul 19, 2007
819
0
0
clemson,sc
#1
I got a fluval 204 about a month ago for my 33gal long aquarium..and the output is barely working...i have checked to see if there was blockage in the hose and its fine...

so now i think that perhaps the fact that the output hose is twice as long as the input hose could be the culprit...so i was going to order another hose so that the input/output hoses would be the same length...do you guys think that would solve the problem?
 

#3
You can cut the hoses to length. They're just semi clear silicone ones, right? A 204 isn't a huge output canister filter. Its not going to stir up a 33 gallon. And the ratings on canisters don't take into account flow drops due to filter media. I just installed a Filstar XP2, and while its rated at 300gph, it drops to 160 with all the foam and media. If you don't have air getting in, that may be how much water its going to flow.
 

Orion

Ultimate Fish
Moderator
Feb 10, 2003
5,803
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Kentucky
www.thefishcave.net
#4
I've never had one that loped sided, but I think it can mess with the flow some. Just cut about six inches longer than you think you need just to be sure you have enough, it's easy to shorten a hose, quite a different story to make one longer. Also check that the filter isn't below the maximum height either, this will also impede water flow.

Have you also rinsed out all the sponges and changed the mechanical media?
 

Jul 19, 2007
819
0
0
clemson,sc
#5
yes i checked the media and did a re-check for blockage...its hard to explain how i set it up...i will try to post a pic asap...it's not really lope sided bc the canister is approx 1ft below the tank and the longer tube goes to one end of the tank while the shorter tube is on the other side of the tank, closest to the cansiter...thats why their is such a difference in length..
 

FroggyFox

Forum Manager
Moderator
May 16, 2003
8,589
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Colorado
#6
Generally you want to set that canister up just like the instructions say. I am not positive, but I think it needs to be further below the tank than what you're describing...as well as that the hoses should be in as straight of a line as possible. I'm not sure that the length of the hoses have to be the same.