I am having trouble finding information on the physical dimensions and the sions and the technical specifications (mostly to help me figure out which ones I might consider) on the Ocean Clear canister filters. I have never owned or used one of these before, but am curious and am considering getting one or two to experiment with. However, figuring out from the online stores and Red Sea's web site how to match model to purpose is not very clear for someone not intimately familiar with them, I think.

So, first of all, can someone give me an idea of their circumference and height? Do all of the models use the same size canister (the outside dimensions, that is)?

Any web sites or PDF documents out there that give this information clearly? (Again, what I found on Red Sea's site is not too helpful to me in the pre-sales phase).

They are about 12" x 12", but the clearance needed is larger(to remove things/get pipe in/out etc).

One has a taller clearance(with the UV, another has a larger cartiage(40sqft).

So those are different, the rest are similar.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Thanks. I had been trying to interpolate sizes from different photos, and I was somewhat close.

I am considering either a 120 gal or a 60 gal tank as my first "big" tank. If I go the way of the 120 gal, I was looking at trying something similar to your (Tom's) 180 gal Starphire setup, with the drilled in/outlets and the Ocean Clear filters. Complicated, perhaps, but I am willing to spend some money to take my experience and practice further.

If I go for the 60 gal (cube), I was considering either the Filstar XP3 or XP4.

One big question I have is how much flow is "good", realizing of course that the answer is an "it depends" type, but what should one see? Are there any videos on YouTube that show good flow, so I can see something?

Sorry to be all over the place topically here, but I am trying to narrow down my focus and options so I can write up a plan... Otherwise I'll end up with an expensive, unworking mess!

Thanks.

Have a read over my thread on APC
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...op-filter.html

I had many of the same questions you had. I think you will find my thread useful. I must say that even with the pump I have (822gph), the flow may not be as much as I wished. My problem likely stems from the fact that I have a Y in locline leading to 2 outlets.

I use the 340 because it has both mechanical and bio filtration and I think it is sufficient for my size tank. If you go with two filters (which is proably good for a larger tank) I would recommend a seperate mechanical filter (317) first and then the biofilter (318) after. The filters are much bigger than I had pictured.

I love the bulkhead set-up and I thank Tom for inspiring me to do it! Go for it on both of your tanks! Keep in mind the iwaki pumps draw about 200 watts! Thats nearly $20 bucks a month.

Matt

Tom,
I'm not sure what OC's your are using, but have you plumbed your filters to do a backflush? I know the 354 is designed for this and the plumbing is included to do it, but I don't think the 317, 318, 340. etc are. I'm just curious if you have plumbed your system to do it! I would love to see a pic if you have.
Thanks,
Matt

They have a hose attachment on the bottom front.
You can drive water into this connection and then out the inflow to backwash, this means you need a garden hose drain on that side with a valve.

You can hook up the garden hose, back flush the filter slowly, then drain the filter washings, then turn the valve to drain the tank, then turn the other to refill the tank.

This requires two garden hoses to do faster, but you can do it with one.
Plumbing options are up to you.
Just think about it and look.


Regards,
Tom Barr