Filter Outlet Question

[mdavenport]

I have a 72"x24" 210 gallon tank with 2 FX5 filters running.

My question is, is it best to point the outlets to break the surface, or to try and minimize having surface water that sits still or seemingly swirls?

Hope this makes sense.

[Heyguy74]

You want surface movement of the water. Point the outlets torwards the surface.

[mdavenport]

I have 3 of them pointed to surface, but if I point the 4th one to the surface my water doesn't seem to move in the corners of the tank and in between the outlets. If I point the 4th one down across the middle of the tank the surface water I alway moving. BUT, it's not really agitating the surface as much.

Which is better? Agitation or movement?

[SNAILOS]

Agitation for putting in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Movement for picking up debris and moving it in a current towards your inlets.

Enjoy


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[Jaydog951]

In my 180 i have 2 fx5s also and what i do is point two(one on each return) point straight up to the surface and the other 2 are pointed down slightly below mid level,angled. Lots of movement on top and lots of current to push up debris and keep lower/mid level moving.

This works well for me. I have no air pump on this tank...not needed imo.

[mdavenport]

Mmmmm, gonna have to see if I can keep the water moving AND agitate the surface. Seems like these FX5s out to be able to do both. But those darn outlets are somewhat limiting in how to set it up.

[aardvark1134]

Mmmmm, gonna have to see if I can keep the water moving AND agitate the surface. Seems like these FX5s out to be able to do both. But those darn outlets are somewhat limiting in how to set it up.

Several options for breaking up surface water
1) Built in overflow that skims the top
2) Power filter that pours the water back in like a waterfall...doesn't even need to have filter media in it
3) Power head or wave maker pointed somewhat up
4) Air stones
5) Spray bar on the output of your canister

[mdavenport]

I like your 3rd and 5th ideas

How do wave makers work? Do they hang on back? Or get submerged?

Spray bar is an option with a 3rd filter with no media in it.

[aardvark1134]

I like your 3rd and 5th ideas

How do wave makers work? Do they hang on back? Or get submerged?

Spray bar is an option with a 3rd filter with no media in it.

The ones I have seen stick to the glass with magnet from outside
Examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkphpIJJbUg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBqBylfNPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNdNWiCU2do