Inlet Pipe U-Shaped

[skimp]

This could be a potential for the stupidest qns of the month.

For canister filter, the inlet pipe (where all the shits are sucked into) is usually U shaped. Is there a reason for this?

I was thinking of modifying it to make it into a straight pipe as it's impossible for it to fit snugly into the back glass becos of my background. Is it ok?

[cloud79]

It is U-shaped so it can be hanged on the tank. If u wan to modify it, make sure that the hose will not be bent to obstruct the flow of water. U noe how to make it straight, i noe of a way to strighten it but it will be irreversible once u have done it. :)

[skimp]

Care to share yr secret bro? :D

[leafhorn]

Hair dryer heat it up and pull it straight. Eheim parts are expensive to replace if you want to buy back original parts.

U shape better flow mah, if angle up there might be more clogs.

[skimp]

Does Eheim carries wider U-shaped pipe? If not, then must heat it up liao. Reason being, now my intake pipe cannot stand properly.

[leafhorn]

Sure got ways to do it one, try try. Good luck.

[cloud79]

Originally posted by "skimp"

Does Eheim carries wider U-shaped pipe? If not, then must heat it up liao. Reason being, now my intake pipe cannot stand properly.

What is your current size? :)

[skimp]

My size is 9".... :lol:

On a serious note, my tank size is 3ftx1.8x1.8, Using 2026.

[Retnar]

I am assuming that your background is considerably thick (corkwood, rocks, etc) such that it is thicker than the curvature of the U-tube intake. Hence your problem of fitting in the intake pipe into your tank.

Solutions:
1) Find a thinner part of the tank where the background is not so thick.
2) Attach the intake at the side of the tank close to the back.
3) Don't use the intake pipe. Just use a longer hose with an intake attachment. Flexibility might pose a problem.

My preference would be no. 2 as it can still be aesthetically done with minimum fuss and/or cost.

[skimp]

Is there an additional accessory available for wider intake pipe than the one originally included?

[leafhorn]

I will go with cloud's recommendation. Don't end up buying lotsa unnecessary things, also best not to modify the pipe in future you might need it intact.

Lotsa things can be done, like my tank have 3d background i can't use rubber suction caps in the tank interior wall so I use it on the exterior at the back. Also my left and right side of the tank are covered with 3d foam too and i can't use the rubber suction caps again to attach rainbars, so i attach the suction caps on top, below the glass brace.

Just try on?

[leafhorn]

All right a cheap alternative for you, no need to buy Eheim pipes, expensive.

From hardware shop, buy 3 feet of pvc pipe, size 13mm. 1 feet of the pipe is 30 cents or so. 3 feet is more than enough.

Buy 2 pvc elbows for the pipes, size 13mm also, each cost about 30 cents also.

Saw them to required lenght, 3 pieces, and attach them together with the elbows, at the intake, attach the eheim green basket. Most pvc pipes are white or grey. If you can find black ones, let me know I also looking for black ones.

[skimp]

I think i'll DIY liao, till now, still can't do any mods. E

[BFG]

Leafhorn, pvc pipes going 4 30 cents for 1 ft? I never knew the pipes are cheap! Thanks 4 the heads-up!

[leafhorn]

Hardware shops might be more expensive abit, maybe 50 cents. Depending on the size of the pipes.

I got from Industrial parks, so very cheap.