DIY intake/spraybar for 20g w/ Fluval 104

[Daemonfly]

The stock hose for the Fluval 104 wasn't long enough, as well as it being "ribbed" which deffinately reduces water flow through the hose. I also didn't like the output "nozzle" that came with the Fluval 104.

Being the DIY guy that I am... :P, I made my own

Input uses stock strainer, but I found that 3/4" vinyl tubing fits perfectly OVER the end of the strainer.


Outtake is actually a vertical "spray bar" made from 3/4" vinyl tubing. It has a few holes slightly bigger than 1/8" to direct the flow. Half of the holes are aimed torwards the front of the tank, while the other half are aimed sideways, across the back of the tank. After filling, I noticed it gave very good water movement within the tank yet had no surface agitation whatsoever. 3/4" was used as I had some on hand, and it was thick-walled making for better water directioning with the output holes, imho. (please excuse window blinds reflection)


Inside hoses are connected to 90deg 3/4" hose barbs, which are then connected to a 90deg. threaded PVC elbow(barb side threaded). This is then glued to a straight PVC-to-fem thread piece which has another hose barb for hose going to filter. 5/8" vinyl hose then routes to the Fluval 104 filter on the floor.


Full shot for refference. The tank was just filled, so theres a lot of light reflecting from all the tiny bubbles floating around.


Fluval 104 setup. The filter is in a 2g bucket due to being the first time it ran, as once in a while they have been known to leak upon very first run(usually to user error).

[Wasserpest]

Looks neat! Once you have a dense jungle in that tank, you can drill the holes a little bigger to increase the then restricted water movement. What tank size is that? Will the 104 be sufficient?

I found that too small or clogged input strainers reduce filter performance a lot. Looking around for a good solution, I found one in the plastic tube that comes with magnum 250 filter cartridges. It is about 4 inches long and well here is how it looks :mrgreen:

[Daemonfly]

You know, I actually considered something very similar to that with the "plastic canvas". Your pic gives me a lot better visual now . I'll have to pop the strainer off & see how much better flow it gives me.

I'm guessing the hose is for CO2?

The tank is a 20g long. Filter is max rated for 25g, and the larger, straighter hose to & from filter will help reduce any flow restriction compared to stock equip. So far, without any plants in the way, it's kept pretty good circulation in the tank.

[Wasserpest]

You are right, I use(d) that airline to bubble CO2 into the canister inlet. Expecting a second XP3, and one of these days I will build external inline reactors for both my canisters... finally I am getting fancy and all :mrgreen:

Somehow I thought your tank would be at least twice as big from your photo.

[Daemonfly]

Originally Posted by Wasserpest

Somehow I thought your tank would be at least twice as big from your photo.

Why does everyone think my tanks are always much bigger? :lol: Perhaps it's just the way I capture their souls with the camera, or maybe that "big" dragon-skull looking piece of driftwood? Thats my DIY canopy & base surround as well.

I might drill a few more holes in the "spray-bar" as well as try out your version of the intake strainer.

Edit: Ok, new intake strainer made (silicone still drying..)

[Wasserpest]

Maybe it's your attention to details that are usually reserved for larger tanks... Your DIY canopy and base look very professional as well.

Your "new" input strainer is much better than the original strainer. You will appreciate that once your tank is full of plants and floating leaves can block parts of the strainer... now there is a lot of redundant openings for free flow.

[Scorpion]

Looking good fly!

[secretagent]

SWEET

[Daemonfly]

Sheesh, talk about raising a thread from the dead... o_O

[Scorpion]

yikes

[Wasserpest]

Originally Posted by Daemonfly

Sheesh, talk about raising a thread from the dead... o_O

Did you ever get anything planted in there?

[fedge]

Geez... strainer... Talking of that...

I might just keep my fry protector on my strainer... its like a large sock made from fiberglass window screening... makes a bag like structure. With a 20L there won't be a lot space so maybe it good to make a strainer saver...he he

[secretagent]

Originally Posted by Wasserpest

Did you ever get anything planted in there?

I agree anything Planted?

[Daemonfly]

Nah, I kept it empty & put a bunch of bubbling treasure chests and a castle :P

[tommyboy22481]

This is an interesting topic for me since I have a Fluval 204 and a 20L as well. I have been wondering how to replace the tubing on my Fluval since I cut it slightly to short and also my cats chewed on it when I was installing the filter and put some teeth marks in it. Still watertight but I would feel better if I could replace it.

5/8" Tubing fits the valve assembly okay? I wasn't sure how regular tubing would work. The stock strainer has been fine for me so far, I just make sure its clean of dead leaves every once in a while.