So which would you do and why?

[ingg]

I'm finding the 180g needs a bit mroe flow than the default 2260 filter and Mag drive.

I think part of the problem may be that I intentionally tried to hide the MAG's returns under hardscaping - so while the water is moving, it isn't creating strong flow in the tank.

Anyhoo - I need to keep the flow increased. When I removed the powerhead with the UV, algae started in. I put the powerhead (sans UV) back in, and it is now fading.

My three options:

Keep the powerhead in. Most cost effective by far, but it also puts a big ole piece of hardware in the tank - the ONLY piece of hardware visible in the tank. The Maxijet 1200 seems to be overkill - I also have a Maxijet 400 which wasn't enough. Anyhoo - this is a $25 or so solution.

Add another canister - I could put in say a 2215 or 2217 or something, and plumb it to a black painted return. I can easily get 150-200 gph running on a separate, smaller filter. Only the return would be seen, I can draw from inside the overflows. $110-140 dollar solution

Replace the Eheim pump - the 2260 is run by a 1260 pump. This pump can be replaced by a 1262 pump, which adds about 300 gph before head is considered - probably an effective 200 gph in the tank, making each of the four return pipes have another 50 gph output. $130 solution.

Aesthetically, I think putting the new pump on the existing filter is nicest. Cost wise, obviously the powerhead is comparatively dirt cheap.

Which would you do, and why?

[rich_one]

I don't have any experience with using pumps and all of that, so I really have no input there. frankly, if the powerhead does the job you need it to do, at a $25 cost... heck, man... seems that's the way to go.

BUT...

I'd go with option too, because mainly I am a filtration maniac that believes in over filtration, and I would probably add a bizarre number of filters to any one of my tanks, if I could. in this case, you get the job done that you are looking to get done regarding flow... and the added bonus of additional filtration of the water... which, obviously, is a good thing!

so option 2... and that is my final answer! lol...

[JMLenke]

With option 1 could you not use one of the Hydor koralia powerheads? They are black and use magnets to attach which should hopefully make it easier to hide behind your hardscape.

http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/Hydor_Ko ... _s/379.htm

one of those.

[neilanh]

COnsider building a closed loop system. A pump and some PVC is all you need.

Intake in the overflow box, then wrap an output (or two if you wanted to split it) around the tank. Could even use locline like you have on your eheim output, so it would all match.

[Spine]

[quote="ingg"]

Replace the Eheim pump - the 2260 is run by a 1260 pump. This pump can be replaced by a 1262 pump, which adds about 300 gph before head is considered - probably an effective 200 gph in the tank, making each of the four return pipes have another 50 gph output. $130 solution.

Aesthetically, I think putting the new pump on the existing filter is nicest.

I would go with option #3 get the 1262.