The Puffer Forum

So my 29 gallon has been up and running for about a week now, and I have noticed that the flow in the tank is horrible. I have a fluval 305 on the tank, but the head height on it is about three feet, making the flow very week. I was thinking about getting a aquaclear 110 but they are really expensive and I dont really have the money to spend on one (college student). I have used them before and the only problem I have with Hang-on filters is the fact that they dont really create any current in a tank. My thoughts are, that since I would only be using some sponge for biological purpose in a hang-on, wouldnt it be more cost effiecent and effective to run a couple power heads hooked up to sponge filters? killing two birds with one stone so to speak. I would be able to have more flow throughout the entire tank instead of stirring the top 1/3. I worry about dead spots, which I am sure is a result of my reefing experience. Do you think this would be better or should I just get a 300/gph hang-on and quit worrying?

An aquaclear 110 would turn a 29 into a tornado. AC's create fairly high current.

at 3 feet, you shouldn't be struggling with the 305

if it is really bad flow, then just add a power head for the extra current you require

I use a fluval 205 and it pumps out nicely, and the output is a good 3 feet above the canister

All I use for flow on my tanks are the AC filters.

That's what an airstone does--it ripples the surface of the water, so O2 can exchange.

I dont know what my fluvals problem is. Its pumping quite a bit but not what I need. There is no flow in the bottom of the tank. May be ill look for a AC 70 or something else.

Is it new?

there will be flow at the bottom of the tank, but down there it won't be a strong current.
if you're happy with the filtration it is giving you, which given the fact you have a 305 should be more than sufficient (a 205 is recommended for your size tank), but you want the extra current at the bottom of the tank for your fish to play in then an additional power head would be the way to go IMO

No, I have had the fluval for around a year now. But it was on my Ornate Bichar tank, and if any fish is more messy then a puffer its an ornate. I think I let it get to clogged up a few times to many and may have damaged the pump a little. Even with weekly cleanings the flow coming out of it was diminished significatly. I have about 32-35 pounds of lace rock in the tank as well as a whack-load of fake plants, so that isnt helping the flow at the bottom either. Thats why I was thinking putting a powerhead down in the rockwork would help. Probably should have mentioned that since it makes it more understandable why im having flow issues.

Have you ever taken it apart & cleaned it--especially the impeller assembly?

Yes, I have cleaned the impeller, part of my weekly maintenance on all of my filters. It could just be a piece of junk. I even tryed it at a different height and it didnt make to much of a difference.