Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum. I have a 55 gallon tank that will be for African Cichlids, and a 100 gallon salt tank. In years past, I plumbed my tanks through holes drilled in the bottom of the tank. That fed to Fluval 3 series canister filters, and then on to a Lifeguard heater module, then back into the tank. I had a 303 on the smaller tank, and a 403 and 303 running on the big tank. I had no problems with this set-up.

My concern now is that I decided to upgrade my filters to the new 5 series for ease of cleaning out the canisters. The technical people at Fluval said these pumps can't be plumbed this way because the hoses are now flexible tubing and the connections between this tubing and the intake and output nozzles must be connected underwater. I have considered replacing the flexible hoses with the old plastic tubing. Does anyone out there have any experience with doing this? I really don't want to have to seal off the holes in the tank and run all the equip. in full view in the tank.

Thanks,

Linda

Use hose clamps. As long as you have a solid surface the flexible tubing will be sealed to it, provided it's a snug fit to start with. Recommend using stainless steel hose clamps as the cheap ones rust with even a bit of moisture.

Thanks for the input. Do you mean to replace the flexible hosing with the plastic hose and then use hose clamps or to use hose clamps on the flexible tubing?

Linda

you can use your existing hosed from the 03 series to the 05 series.

the pipe diameters are the same. Less hassle as well.

Thanks, I will try that.

Linda

One other issue with my set up. Does anyone have any experience with the Hydor in-line heaters? My old configuration had the fluval going into a Lifeguard Heater module before going back into the tank. I would suspect it will be easier to use the in-line heater but I know nothing about them.

Linda

dont forget to put taps close to the tank so you can turn off the water and remove hoses for cleaning, servicing etc.