Do I plumb my 2 x cannisters or go the usual method?

[Davo]

I am about to order a 6 x 2 x 2.5 tank for a Geo colony and I am undecided on whether to plumb the 2 x filters (a Eheim 2080 & a Eheim 2260) thru the base of the tank (5 x holes/bulkhead) or just go the usual way (hoses over the rear wall etc).

Any suggestions re the pros and cons of either method.

Thanks,
Dave

[taksan]

Plumb for sure

[Davo]

Why do you suggest plumbing the filters?

Dave

[taksan]

So much easier ...so much cleaner .... so much better looking

Just do it ...you won't regret it

[Merrilyn]

We have several tanks now drilled and plumbed.

No more algae covered pipes in the tank to clean.

Tank cleaning and water changes are a dream :P

Even glass cleaning is a pleasure with no pipes in the way.

[JT]

how about with a smaller tank like

2.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 plant tank ??
canister or pump ?

[Merrilyn]

Smaller tanks look good drilled and with the plumbing hidden. I'd still use a small canister, but drill the tank so the intake pipe can be hidden. The outlet of course, is a spray bar at the surface of the tank.

[Davo]

Thanks for the replies. I am tending towards going over the rear wall due to two factors.

Firstly I am concerned about the Geos sifting thru the fine sand substrate and the sand being sucked into the inlets which would be above the substrate and subsequntly into the filters.

Secondly the cost. Each hole (5) costs $30 to be drilled then I would have to buy the bulkheads etc which cost $30 or more depending on the size.

Dave.

[ILLUSN]

you can make up cheep pvc bulkheads for around $10 ea including washers from bunnings bits if your using eheim canisters then you'll need 15mm - 25mm bulkheads depending on your filter model