Tom Rapids Mini Canister Filter as Waterfall?

sedor · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2010, 11:47 PM

Terrarium Filtration: Rapids Mini Canister Filter at Drs. Foster and Smith

Anyone have any experience with this product? It looks like a great mini canister filter to keep the water clean, but I am wanting to use it as a waterfall as well. I guess my main concern is whether or not the filter will work with the input hose in only about 3 - 4" of water.

sedor · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2010, 11:53 PM

Terrarium Filters: Tom Reptile Products Repti-Clean Filter at Drs. Foster and Smith

This might be a better option huh?

beckdg · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 12:04 AM

i would think the second one would be a better choice since the canister would rest completely above the water line and you'd have to modify it before you were able to use it.

Epiphile · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 06:05 AM

I think that that mini canister filter would work- as long as the input was low enough in the water that it didn't run dry and you had a way to connect the output to the back of your water feature it would be fine. I've had my eye on these for a while, personally, but haven't yet taken the plunge- it would sure get the water clean, and you wouldn't have to bother with hiding something in the tank. There's also this one that has smaller in and out lines, and so might be even easier to use: 501 Turtle Canister Filter

The second one doesn't look like it has an output you can connect anything to- I think it's just for moving water around.

sedor · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 08:08 AM

I'd be interested in knowing if the canister worked in lower levels of water. The second product I listed seems to be perfect. What I am going to do is get some sort of elbow from HD and some flex tubing and use the output as a waterfall. I did some research and the pump on top of that filter is 80 gph and has a head of 1' 9".

Epiphile · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 09:04 AM

I think that as long as the canister's input is low enough it'll work. And like I said, have a look at the output on the second one- unless that diffuser comes off it'll be tough to attach tubing to it. The price is right, though- it may be worth taking a hacksaw to it.

beckdg · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2010, 10:13 AM

canisters rely on a siphon to refill after cleaning. if that siphon does not work the filter will be a beast to get running again. this can also damage the unit if you're not careful. so the filter hanging on the back of the tank is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

the output on that second filter has a diffuser over it i'm sure can be removed with a pair of dykes.