Hangin' on the side?

[Tigg29]

Semi-dilemma I wanted to check in on before it goes into play: On this freshwater 29gal tank set up I'm about to start in on, I'll run an AquaClear 70 (used AC's on a lot of my tanks w/great success) BUT my tank'll be situated so the filter will need to hang on one end, not on the back, of the tank.

Good news - this'll push a decently strong flow out from one end of the tank across 30" of surface, which'll create a nice river-type flow - stronger at one end, way weaker at the other end and potentially working for the planned planting/inhabitants at different levels of the water column.

(For example - a Honey Gourami will have most of the upper column to itself and at the opposite end of the tank, with tall Val growing for it to hang out, around, and under. The lighter flow down at that end will stay gentle without overwhelming it. A tallish Malaysian driftwood piece I've picked up will sit at the filter end and baffle the output a bit as well.)

Bad news - are there any potential risks to consider? The tank should be able to support the filter on any side, right? And, the AC filter flow can also be dialed down a bit. Picking up an Aqueon 29er tomorrow, as a sidenote.

Chime in if you have concerns, thoughts, experience, thanks.

Tigg29

 

[Lucy]

If this is a standard 29g so It's about 30 inches long. Do you think one side might be a 'dead; side with no water too little water movement? If that's the case there's always air pumps to get some water movement.
I've got little hygger internal filter that I used at one end of a 20 long, which is the same length as a standard 20g., for about the same reason

I'm not sure but I think it might hinder the amount of water that's sucked into the intake and pushed through the filter.
Honestly, I never that about the amount pulled in, more about the current

I will be interested to hear what others have to say.

 

[Tigg29]

Here's an earlier AI-generated image of what the tank'll potentially look like, to address your (good) points.

The filter's on the right end of the tank w/intake in the back right corner. Actual plant placement will differ a bit - maybe an Amazon sword at that end? I was thinkin' there'd be space enough as to not block the intake. An AC filter's adjustable intake tube can potentially reach pretty far down. (I'd make sure planting wouldn't get in the way).

Honey at the top, Silver Tip Tetras and Black Neon Tetras get the middle column and Sterbai Corydoras and a Bolivian Ram get to share the lower column - again, first draft of a stock for the tank.

I also dig the idea of an extra air pump and that'd be doable. (You mean w/a tube, throw some water action and bubbling up in the background on the left, or am I reading that wrong?)

Thanks for the input/feedback and I'm interested what others might chime in with too.

 

[Lucy]

Thanks for the input/feedback and I'm interested what others might chime in with too.

You're welcome & it's complete speculation

 

[Tigg29]

*cHuCkLe* - ain't it just?

Aquarium life lesson #287: The end will look nothin' like I had in my head when I started.

 

[outlaw]

I think it will "work" fine, however, it may prove too weak to fully circulate debris back to the filter from the far side. It's not just the water to circulate, it has to contend with all the plants/decor which will naturally create "dead zones" like your river concept. If you stay on top of cleaning, it may not be an issue. Like Lucy had stated, you could put a small pump at the far end to work as a circulation booster and not have to worry about two filters. Alternatively, you can get a larger (110?) instead, or possibly two (70) to place at either end. This could make some interesting turbulence in the middle though.

Another option to consider if you don't already have filters, is to use internal power filters. The tradeoff is, as named, internal space. This would allow you to keep the filter along the back, or at least flexibility to place where you want. I currently run the Aqua Top (traditional rectangle housing good for along the back or side wall) and Oase (designed to be mounted in the corner but still has some flexibility. I have one of mine mounted horizontally along the back wall at the gravel line) versions.

 

[Tigg29]

> however, it may prove too weak to fully circulate debris back to the filter from the far side.

Hmm, brilliant point Outlaw, that I hadn't considered - thanks for that. Creating a solution to having the back so close to a wall it wouldn't allow for an HOB, got stuck on doing an HOSide option, but yeah, consequences to consider beyond basic flow.

At a total of 350ish lbs, turns out the spot I'd pegged for the tank I'm finding out may not structurally support that much of a static load long-term, as I dive deeper w/researching of it. Aesthetics and architecture make other options doable but not what I had in mind originally. But that would allow for the standard HOB configuration - something like a 'if it ain't broke.' moment. Hmmmm . . .