will external filter work when tank is on the floor?

[Arny]

Hey Guys

I have a 60L plastic tub on the floor that I'm going to keep live river shrimp in. Would my external fliter work on it or does the tank/tub have to be higher than the filter?

Thanks

[Pufferpunk]

I don't see why not, it's powered by a pump, not gravity, right?

[Arny]

I don't see why not, it's powered by a pump, not gravity, right?

Yeah it has a pump. I'm not sure if I need the syphone effect to get it started though

[bertie 83]

Fill the canister and hoses with water before you start it as you would normally it will work just fine

[scpion]

I am using a canister on a tank on the floor too. The canister better come with a manual pump and not those old type. Its very easy to get unwanted air into the pump especially during water change.. if it does, th siphon will break and the flow will stop. Keep a powerhead handy so u can use it to pump in water from the inlet if that happens. Ithe external filter still need gravity to a certain extend to bring in water, then the pump takes over.

[scpion]

I remembered u have lots of river shrimps, so better to have extra aeration. Have a lid on the tub too as they are real jumpers.

[Arny]

I remembered u have lots of river shrimps, so better to have extra aeration. Have a lid on the tub too as they are real jumpers.

Thx guys for the info

I have a air pump and lid ready to use on it

[Terrance]

There is a minimum height for the Fluval FX5. I don't remember what it was though.

[Pufferpunk]

Its very easy to get unwanted air into the pump especially during water change..

Just unplug before WC.

[scpion]

Its very easy to get unwanted air into the pump especially during water change..

Just unplug before WC.

there's still be some water lost from the hose if the water level drops below the inlet. But, yes. Unplug the power b4 the wc.

[bertie 83]

If you get some blocks and wood you could raise the tank about a foot off the floor. Would make life easier long term

[RTR]

I agree that height is critical. Some difference between the top and intake of the external unit good, a bit more is better. Allowing the impeller of an external canister to run dry is pne of the few ways to destroy the drive unit. Do not ask how I know this...

[Troender]

I agree that height is critical. Some difference between the top and intake of the external unit good, a bit more is better. Allowing the impeller of an external canister to run dry is pne of the few ways to destroy the drive unit. Do not ask how I know this...

Eheim cannisters need a minimum height difference, I don't remember how much. BTW, I've had a Eheim Pro 2224 that ran dry for 1 1/2 week while I was on a vacation. It still worked when I came home. I had to change the impeller though, as it had become noisy. I wouldn't recommend treating a filter that way though. But it says all about the quality of Eheim filters!

[RTR]

I do confess to being an Eheim addict.

[bertie 83]

+1 to rtr