Fluval as a return pump

kentuckyclowns · 12/19/2011, 12:59 PM

Now I am sure I will get a lot of negative feedback in regards to even using the term canister filter on this forum, but I am interested in getting some opinions. I am extremely tight on funds after buying a sweet setup and wanted to use the equipment I currently have.

With that said, I was wondering if I have a sump that was elevated higher than the fluval filter but below the main tank, would the fluval be able to pump back to the main tank? I have an overflow built in on the DT overflowing to the sump that is elevated on a cart with wheels for servicing. Since the sump is above the filter, it would allow the intake to syphon and then it shouldn't matter where it pumped to..right? Thanks for the help.

SkullV · 12/19/2011, 02:29 PM

No reason it wouldn't work, but I don't think you are going to get nearly as much flow as you will need unless it's a really small tank. Some of the experts in the Chemistry forum use Canister filters for things like carbon and GFO. As long as you don't have any mechanical filter material in there the detritus trap stereotype doesn't really apply.

platylover · 12/19/2011, 05:06 PM

The canister filters are not designed to overcome much head pressure at all, so I doubt you will get much flow. However, try and let us know how it goes.

Drae · 12/19/2011, 06:57 PM

^^^+1 they kinda run off gravity a little. Since its a single loop, the draining water helps the weak return pump in the can out. Head pressure kills a cans performance quick. Just 2 more ¢ to think about.

12/19/2011, 12:59 PM	#1
kentuckyclowns Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 121	Fluval as a return pump Now I am sure I will get a lot of negative feedback in regards to even using the term canister filter on this forum, but I am interested in getting some opinions. I am extremely tight on funds after buying a sweet setup and wanted to use the equipment I currently have. With that said, I was wondering if I have a sump that was elevated higher than the fluval filter but below the main tank, would the fluval be able to pump back to the main tank? I have an overflow built in on the DT overflowing to the sump that is elevated on a cart with wheels for servicing. Since the sump is above the filter, it would allow the intake to syphon and then it shouldn't matter where it pumped to..right? Thanks for the help.

12/19/2011, 02:29 PM	#2
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	No reason it wouldn't work, but I don't think you are going to get nearly as much flow as you will need unless it's a really small tank. Some of the experts in the Chemistry forum use Canister filters for things like carbon and GFO. As long as you don't have any mechanical filter material in there the detritus trap stereotype doesn't really apply. __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

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12/19/2011, 05:06 PM	#3
platylover Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 165	The canister filters are not designed to overcome much head pressure at all, so I doubt you will get much flow. However, try and let us know how it goes.

12/19/2011, 06:57 PM	#4
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	^^^+1 they kinda run off gravity a little. Since its a single loop, the draining water helps the weak return pump in the can out. Head pressure kills a cans performance quick. Just 2 more ¢ to think about.