does the tube in the sponge filter needs to reach to the top of the water level? Thnaks,Ed.
323282
No, you are better having it fully submerged. The bubbles will help circulate air into the water.
323283
Nope. It can sit on the bottom, but you can put it near the surface if you don't like how the bubbles look.
323284
If you mean the tube where the air bubbles come out then no. If it is out of the water then it won't work properly. I keep mine about 1 to 1.5 inches under the water.
323285
No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water is perturbed. No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water... » Read More No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water is perturbed. « Show Less
1626008
Yep, that's what I did. The filter tube took up too much of the tank for me. I removed the entire filter assembly (the below-gravel part, the middle tube) and just use a small side-mounted filter, which is more than sufficient.
285118
NO. It operates on gravity and therefore needs to be elevated at leas 30-36 inches above the top of the pots to ensure water flow. We have had two of these systems for three years and they are the only systems we have ever found that really work as advertised so long as you perform routine maintenance (run water with white vinegar (1 cup to a gallon) through the system after each use to prevent mineral build-up in the on-off value and mold from growing in the tubing. Also, only store after everything is dry.
1664345
It is just a faucet so you'd need a separate filtration device. I wouldn't recommend attaching anything to the tube after the on/off value as it is rather delicate. I haven't had any problems. We filter water after the fact with using a Brita filter water jug.
2164390
Check to see if your water level is covering the entire intake pipe. It should be. Also, If you have the skimmer attachment installed, it might be contributing to the problem. I run my filter with it out of the intake line, with better results.
1470668
You will be fine. I have 1 sponge filter that is missing clear top piece. So if you want a wide dispersal of air bubbles just take it off.
1342045
It is supposed to float to the top of the water line but it's effectiveness as a skimmer seems questionable. But it is quite a good filter for controlling algae blooms.
1642206
Must be filled to the top (glass cover only), otherwise the filter pump will not have enough power to lift the water into the filter media. You can leave probably up to an inch below the glass cover if you want to, but you are risking filter failure and fish death due to lack of oxygenation (it happened to me...).
1458701
I don't think so. The filter creates a water flow through the clear tubes by displacing the water on it towards the top with the air bubbles that grow in size due to lowering the column pressure. This flow suck the water from the gravel and filter the water through it. All the garbage stay in the gravel till you clean it. The problem is that 3 or 4 inches doesn't provide enough pressure column to make the principle works. But that is just my opinion. Good Luck!
1148657
Well the nozzle is adjustable up and down, which is awesome, but bc of the larger gaps on the end cap, wrapping course filter sponge around it couldnt hurt, and i would suggest doing so. I would worry small shrimp and teeny fish would get sucked in and stuck for sure. Better safe than sorry!! I'd recommend to check out reviews of this filter on youtube to get a better reference of gap size. Good luck!
1271040
Those who said "by the side" "as long as it is below the water level" are correct. On the one hand, a simple siphon (1 tube) has more flow the lower it is. OTOH, the higher a pump needs to elevate the water (in a 1 tube device) the more power it needs. It is difficult to "restart" cannister filters that sit next to tanks, but the flow is the same.
2272163
It's supposed to be the first stage in a canister filter. If you have one you'll notice that there something that looks like a black sponge/foam. It's supposed to either be used with it or in place of it. It does provide a growing environment for bacteria, but it's not as good as I would have liked.
99636
You'll need to but an air pump to drive this filter. I always get a pump at least one step up from the aquarium size I am setting up. You'll also need an air hose to connect the 2.
1246177
No. the water level needs to be above the level of the top of the pump (as Pictured) for the float valve to trun on. I suggest a Sump.
903762
I'm about 1200 feet above sea level, works fine but don't fill past the 8 cups+ marker or it'll overflow the filter. I have the BXB so not sure why Amazon asked me to answer this.
98690
it should be hung vertically otherwise you will spill lots of water when you change the filter. :-)
1481349
See this thread for a full discussion of this problem. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/water-softeners-air-filtration-systems/415415-waterboss-900-brine-tank-high-water-level.html#bGood luck.