Filter for waterpump?

[i.]

Hi, I'm making a waterfall for my tank and I thought I would use my fluval 1 filter as a pump to get the water up on the top of my rock structure but it's not working. The filter is not strong enough to get the water up in the tubing. Does anyone have a recommendation of what filter I could buy for this purpose?
thanx

 

[marcus]

Newton,

I use a Duetto DJ100 filter for my vivarium waterfall. It does the job well for the small waterfall I have but there are drawbacks. As the media becomes clogged with debris, the flow is significantly reduced. This is tough since the flow isn't that great to begin with.

In fact, for a large waterfall, multiple waterfalls, or even a large elevation change from pump outlet to the waterfall, I would suggest a dedicated pump.

This way you get something that will most likely have more power for the same price and wont be subject to the same clogging issues as the filter is.

The Duetto DJ100 runs for about $25 USD (around here) with 90 gph max. On the other hand, you can get a submersible like the Rio 600 for the same cost which will pump 200 gph.

On another note, I have had much better luck with Duetto than Fluval anyhow in terms of heat production and durability.

Hopefully that helps a bit.

 

[i.]

Thank you Marcus,

I ended up buying an aquaclear powerhead 101, the flow is strong enough to bring the water up the 6 inches I needed it to and the water volume being pumped works great. It hasn't had time to get clogged by debris yet but I don't think it will get bad, it doesn't have a sponge box like a regular filter.
Thank you for your recommendations, I will look into Duetto instead of Fluval in the future.

 

[marcus]

Newton,

Glad to hear it worked! Perhaps if you get the chance you could post a picture of your setup and animals in the photo gallery!

Marcus

 

[jennifer]

It's probably too late for this comment, but I would say to choose a pump with the lowest possible WATTAGE. Watts correspond to heat production, and most of us need to minimize heat in our tanks in warm weather.

 

[kaysie]

Marcus, does your duetto have the removable filter media? if you're just using it to pump water, why not remove the media?

 

[i.]

I'll post pics as soon as I can salvage some time to take some.

 

[marcus]

Kaysie,

Yes the Duetto does have a filter in it. 2, in fact. One for particle filtration and one biological filter piece.

The most restrictive element is the biological filter and I have decided to leave that in because of the beneficial effects of having the bacteria.

Plus, I plan on splitting the main waterfall into 3 or 4 separate waterfalls sometimes soon anyhow so the pump would be a much better option anyhow.

Other than that, I certainly would remove it!

Marcus

 

[heather]

Dang!

I was going to make a water fall with my fluval filter if i ever got one, it wasnt going to be dramatic, or very high, just wanted a little trickle going through my land area, newton: do think it will work?

 

[jennifer]

Heather, I'd suggest the Duetto DJ-50 filter instead... It has low wattage (less heat) and it can be attached to a piece of tubing to create a very small waterfall. The tubing can be bought at the pet shop, or at Home Depot.