Loaches Online Forum

I have run into a little snag with the new 45 gallon Hillie tank, I was hoping to put an external filter on the tank but because of its position in the kitchen that isn't going to be possible so all the filtration is going to have to be internal.

Ive just got some power heads that I am going to put two of on the manifold which is going to give me a combined flow of 740 gph and I was going to add a third with filter cartridges attached and a spray bar which would take the combined flow up to 1110 gph, I know that you pretty much cant have to much flow for Hillies but is a combined flow rate of 1110 gph going to be enough or ok

You're looking at a total turnover there of over 24 times per hour which should be magic.

Hillies don't really put out huge amounts of waste so the combination of manifold intake sponges and actual filter cartridges should be totally adequate.

I would put the extra powerhead with cartridge at the intake end and run hose to an end-panel mounted spraybar set about an inch below the water surface and angled up about 20-30 degrees from horizontal. this will give good surface agitation.

Martin.

Cheers Martin

You have confirmed what I thought, it was worth checking.

When I worked it out to a total turnover of 24 times and hour I thought it sounded way to much but after thinking about it sounds pretty good

You definitely need a different mind-set with hillies. It's all about the O's

Martin.

A new 45 gallon Hillstream tank? You kept that one under wraps!

Sounds like it will be a great tank Mark :-) We will be expecting pictures you realise!

Sounds like a great setup. We want pics!!!

It will be a while before I start setting it up, Ive got a 7ft tank to be installed first

Keep us updated on both, Mark!

Mad Duff wrote:I have run into a little snag with the new 45 gallon Hillie tank, I was hoping to put an external filter on the tank but because of its position in the kitchen that isn't going to be possible so all the filtration is going to have to be internal.

I'd empty the cupboards below, put the cannister filter into the empty space, drill through the worktop for the pipework, and Bob's your uncle. Somehow I bet Joy wouldn't be too happy with that though.

Sounds like a plan. Can't you buy Chrome blanking plugs for unused tap holes in surfaces or sinks? If holes were cut to that size they could be easily covered if you move or decide to site the tank elsewhere.

Sounds like a plan Sounds like I should ruuuunnnnn!

Martin.

If I suggest anything like that I will be joining Graeme in the doghouse

I am lucky to get the tank were it is the cupboards underneath contain either food on one side or pots and pans on the other, for me I would make the space but if Joy had her way the tank wouldn't be there at all.

The main reason why that is going to be the Hillie tank is because Joy really likes them and thinks they are cute so she couldn't really say no to something she finds cute now could she

That amounts to manipulation! Shocking behaviour Mark

Thankyou Matt

Your a smooth operator Mark!!