Fluval 13.5 flow issues

goldchair

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Currently running a Fluval 13.5. Both chambers have 3D printed baskets. Both are very similar if not the same as InTank baskets. Running 1" filter floss in very first chamber. If I don't change out filter floss everyday, the 3 chamber drops down to the top of the pump. Problem is that the heater is in the 3rd chamber and the water drops before safe water level on heater. Has anyone else seen this issue? Replaced stock pump with VIVOSUN 210GPH Submersible Pump with flow rate turned all the way down.
Filter pad being use is:
 

mann1139

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Is the level of the tank going up when the filter floss clogs or is it an evaporation issue?

If clog, what is it clogging on? I would work that.
 

NatureDimensions

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That’s completely normal. In an AIO tank, the water level across the chambers balances dynamically depending on the condition of the filter floss. As the floss becomes dirty and more restrictive, the water level in the main display chamber will rise slightly, while the water level in the filter chambers may drop.

To manage this, you could try using less dense filter floss or switching to a shorter heater if clearance becomes an issue.

The best solution would be using a fleece roller filter, so you never have to deal with clogged filter floss again.

However, our current Nano model doesn’t support fluval tanks either, and unfortunately, there aren’t roller filters on the market that can work fluval. We may develop a compatible version in the future, but that’s still a while away.
 

33AP

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Currently running a Fluval 13.5. Both chambers have 3D printed baskets. Both are very similar if not the same as InTank baskets. Running 1" filter floss in very first chamber. If I don't change out filter floss everyday, the 3 chamber drops down to the top of the pump. Problem is that the heater is in the 3rd chamber and the water drops before safe water level on heater. Has anyone else seen this issue? Replaced stock pump with VIVOSUN 210GPH Submersible Pump with flow rate turned all the way down.
Filter pad being use is:
I also have a 13.5 and have delt with this issue with the upgraded chamber 1&2 media baskets. I would recommend to use filter Fiber. Only use a small amount just enough to cover the slide.
 

Fish Fan

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I also have a 13.5 and have delt with this issue with the upgraded chamber 1&2 media baskets. I would recommend to use filter Fiber. Only use a small amount just enough to cover the slide.
Welcome to Reef2Reef! Thank you for your reply here!

I like to use Poly-Fil in my AIO tanks, and just a little so it does not restrict water flow through the chambers. Poly-Fil is exactly the same as aquarium filter floss, but it's much cheaper because it doesn't have a fish on the package 🤪 You can find Poly-Fil at craft stores or in the craft section of your local Mega-Lo-Mart, it's typically used to stuff pillows and kid's toys. Poly-Fil is so cheap, I just pull it, toss it, and replace it every few days to a week, it couldn't be easier or cheaper.


Good luck!
 

33AP

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I also have a 13.5 and have delt with this issue with the upgraded chamber 1&2 media baskets. I would recommend to use filter Fiber. Only use a small amount just enough to cover the slide.
Welcome to Reef2Reef! Thank you for your reply here!

I like to use Poly-Fil in my AIO tanks, and just a little so it does not restrict water flow through the chambers. Poly-Fil is exactly the same as aquarium filter floss, but it's much cheaper because it doesn't have a fish on the package 🤪 You can find Poly-Fil at craft stores or in the craft section your local Mega-Lo-Mart, it's typically used to stuff pillows and kid's toys. Poly-Fil is so cheap, I just pull it, toss it, and replace it every few days to a week, it couldn't be easier or cheaper.


Good luck!
Uoo! You just put me on haha!! Yes it can get expensive ! Thank you!
 

Fish Fan

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Uoo! You just put me on haha!! Yes it can get expensive ! Thank you!
I hope you didn't think my reply was being critical of yours, I was agreeing with you 😁
 

33AP

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Uoo! You just put me on haha!! Yes it can get expensive ! Thank you!
I hope you didn't think my reply was being critical of yours, I was agreeing with you 😁
Oh no not at all family! I’m actually going to head to Michael’s later to buy some! I really appreciate it! I pay dam near $25 for the same sized bag only difference is the logo 😅
 

Fish Fan

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Oh no not at all family! I’m actually going to head to Michael’s later to buy some! I really appreciate it! I pay dam near $25 for the same sized bag only difference is the logo 😅
If you have a Walmart or similar big box store, check their craft section, it’s likely even cheaper than Michael’s :-)
 

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