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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 12, 2014 12:45:08 GMT -5
I just got my shipment today! I am in the proccess of putting everything together: I just finished cleaning/disinfecting/soaking the old XP2 filter parts, and am trying to figure out what goes where and putting things together. Since I'm "starting from scracth" with the pre-filter/Rio/XP2/Vecton, I've set the canister up with all new filtration pads/micro-filtration pads, and put the Matrix (after rinsing the dust out) in a filter bag and then inside the upper compartment of the XP2, below the micro-filtration pads. I started out with the Matrix loose in the basket, but some of the pieces were small enough that they fell through the grid while I was rinsing it. I have a question about the XP2 (which is going to be run by the Rio 1000). Should I remove the impleller on it since it's motor doesn't work anyway? Also, I ordered the 5/8" tubing because that's what the inside dimension of the tubing that came with the Filstar measured with my ruler; the tubing I got has 5/8" printed on it, but its ID is smaller than the Filstar's tubing (printed on its tubing it just says: Rena 16 X 21). If I need the extra tubing when I get "everything put together" should I just purchase a hose connector(s), or is there something else I can do?? The 5/8 is too small to fit onto the XP2's parts--it looks like the outside of the 5/8" ID is the same dimension as the outside of the XP2 parts (where the hoses are supposed to connect). I scraped the glass surfaces of the tank tonight to give the HOB a chance to pick up the debris, then tomorrow I'm going to use the Quick Vac, then remove a little water to rinse the sponge and inserts in, and then, hopefully get everythiing connected and running. That is if I have enough of the previous tubing. Thanks, Angelminx Yea, Christmas is July! I would remove the impeller, but it doesn't make a difference IMO. The tubing for the Filstar is 16mm, which is the same as the 5/8. If you need to connect the two, you could use hose barbs, which I mentioned before and gave a link too. I'm not sure if you ended up ordering them. Just could also just heat up one side and force the two to connect together. Here is a write up of what I mean.  Depending on where you mount everything will determine if you need more tubing.  Hope your weekend is nice. |
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Post by angelminx on Jul 12, 2014 17:43:52 GMT -5
Thanks,D! I finally got everything hooked up. I am going to wait to plug in the UV till later, when it's darker so I can check the hose tails for the glow from the bulb. I'm sure it works fine, but I'm going to wait anyway. The filter component is running fine--it's so quiet! I had to double-check to see if it was actually running!
I had a heck of a time getting things hooked up. 1st I had to run to the hardware store to pick up an Aim and Flame lighter, because I couldn't find mine (no regular lighter); I tried matches for a while--too much hassle. Then I had to go back, because I couldn't tighten the hose clamps. I could barely hold them together to close them--I didn't have the strength, and they kept slipping out of my grasp. Then I had to go back and pick up a zip-tie (I got a couple while I was at it), because where the 5/8" tubing connected to the flow regulator on the Rio it kept slipping off (just a fraction too loose), and I didn't think it would be a good idea to use the metal hose clamps under water. The plastic ones I had (for the XP2) were too big to use.
I only had to use about 3 inches or so of the 5/8" tubing that I bought, because the Rena 16 X 21 XP tubing was way too loose to connect to the flow regulator. Right now I have the whole thing set up on the right side of the tank. The HOB is on the left side, centered in that opening. I'm not sure how well the circulation will be for UV effectiveness that way, but I really needed a break (I am NOT good at DIY), and wanted the system running. Do you think I should try to set it up so that the intake into the filter is on the right and the return from the UV is on the far left side of the (55G) tank? I can't do much maneuvering of the HOB because of the tank brace. Should I try to move it to the right side of the brace (with the Rio/XP intake as far to the right as I can get it)? The Filter Max/Rio 1000 is set up like Carl's diagram for just that and the Vecton (although the Rio is spliced into the XP's intake tube instead, and the Vecton is spliced in between the XP and Carl's new return setup).
Thanks again.
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Post by Carl on Jul 12, 2014 18:49:54 GMT -5
The 5/8" ID Tubing will work for both. The Filstar is metric, so it is a bit larger (16mm versus approx 14 mm for 5/8) All you need to do is heat the tubing and lubricate the part you are connecting as we note in our Tubing Installation Article, you should not need to use any other attachments, so I am sorry for the difficulties, but I have set these up with just the parts included along with clamps. Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TubingInstallation.html*For now, I would leave the flow control valve full open until you know how well the Rio is pumping the Filstar and UV *The impeller can be left in or out, it does not make a difference. *I would space the return as far from the pick up for a maximum water circulation pattern Carl |
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Post by angelminx on Jul 12, 2014 21:24:23 GMT -5
Carl,
I just went into plug in the Vecton and noticed that water was leaking from where the hose was connected to the universal return. The clamp was as tight as it could go, and there was no leaking anywhere else. Can the teflon tape be wrapped around the outside of the tubing to stop the leakage; is there something else that can be done? The tubing is that from the XP2, and there is about an inch and a half overlapof between the tubing and the connection. I did use the clamp that came with the XP2, instead of a metal clamp, because I had an extra from the set that came with the filter, and didn't have another metal one.
I've disconnected the system and wiped everything up/off. I'm going to start it up again in a little bit and check the Vecton out, but after that, I'll unplug it and wait to hear from you.
Thanks for your help. Angelminx
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Post by angelminx on Jul 13, 2014 2:23:09 GMT -5
I just clicked on the wrong thing (instead of on "post quick reply"), and wiped out everything I had set to post. So here goes again--I'll try to remember everything I had written.
I checked, and the Vecton is working fine. Everything in the UV system is now unplugged. Since the setup had only been running for about 3 1/2 hours, I don't have to worry about bacterial colonies being harmed. Should I add some Stability, and when I start it back up, wait a couple of days before plugging in the UV?
I am going to disconnect the universal return, and after draining what I can from that portion of the hose will tape it to the back of the tank so that it (hopefully) won't leak while it's disconnected. Tomorrow I'm going to take the return with me [*along with an extra length of tubing], and after church I'll stop at the hardware store and have them attatch the two with a metal clamp for me (since I had such a hard time before). [*]Since I want to extend the length of hose so that the return will reach to the far side of the tank, I'll also pick up a coupler so when I get home I can measure out the length of tubing I need and connect the 2 sections of hose. I don't remember reading anything about needing to use clamps when connecting the 2 pieces this way (outside the aquarium), but I'll get a couple more zip-ties just in case.
Hopefully all goes well.
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Post by Carl on Jul 13, 2014 10:05:57 GMT -5
Sorry for all the difficulties you are having with what should be a very simple and quick set up  The fitting on the Universal Return is one I have used probably 1000s of times without any Clamps when used with 5/8" is heated and fit. I just used clamps to further secure the fit. You can use a few windings of Teflon Tape, but I am not sure this would be the issue. You might simply re-cut the tubing and reheat and fit to the hose barb There should be no problems with bacteria being turned off after running such a short time Carl |
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Post by angelminx on Jul 13, 2014 16:34:17 GMT -5
I just got finished re-doing the setup:
I had used a bent hanger to attatch the Vecton, since I'm not allowed to hang it from the wall and the stand is just a frame-stand, but everything kept getting caught on it. After church I picked up a 12" plant hanger (I was looking for one about 13") and, since there wasn't one that was around 15", I also picked up a kit for a chain setup for hanging plants, and a couple of S-hooks (besides the small ones that came in the kit), and a 3 1/2" extension hook (actually there were 2 in the package). I hooked one of the 2" S-hooks in the "keyhole" on one side of The Vecton (and one on the other), and attatched one of the small S-hooks that came with the kit to it, and then to the 12" hook (to keep the hooks facing the right direction). To the other 2" S-hook, I attatched one of the chains that came with the kit at one end, and at the other (after measuring the length I needed) I placed the 3 1/2" extension hook. [The chain that was sold by the foot didn't have large enough openings in the links, and those that did were thicker than I wanted.] I secured everything with duct tape (to keep them from comming apart), and wrapped duct tape around the chain to help stiffen it up. Except that maneuvering was awkward (with all the tubing, equipment, and plugs), it worked great. The HOB was even able to rest on the top of the hook, where there was overlap, with out any problems. It's a tight squeeze working around an aquarium that it set up along a wall. Before I moved, only the left side of the tank was against the wall, but there's no room for that here. [The background--along the back of the tank--helped to ease the fish, and there wasn't much traffic around the tank since it was in my bedroom then, too.] If anyone else wants to do something similar, I'd advise going to a couple of the bigger stores (none close to where I live) where you might be able to find the sizes you want. If they'd had them, I would have just been able to go with 2 "extender S-hooks".
Back to the actual setup: On the return from the Vecton, I replaced the straight connection for the hosetail for the 90 degree elbow that came with the sterilizer. The piece of tubing that I had previously cut for it still had the hose clamp on it, so I wasn't able to just use a completely new length of tubing. I had the guy who helped me at the store place the new tubing onto the universal return and secure it with a clamp. I picked up a coupler at the same time, and then, when I got home measured the length of tubing I needed, cut it, and attatched it to the other piece. I had to use an extra zip-tie, because one of the ones I used got put in the wrong position--I couldn't see what I was doing, so I misjudged.
I was just starting things up when the Rio started rattling. I had to remove the pre-filter to check the impeller--turns out I forgot to lower the Quick disconnect on the XP. Originally the pre-filter went on without too much difficulty, but it was tight. When I went to re-attatch it it didn't want to go back on. I broke 2 elbows trying to do this, so I switched out one of the ones from pre-filter on the HOB (the last one I broke I was able to attatch directly to the sponge being used on the HOB). The "replacement" elbow didn't want to attatch to the Rio either. I ended up cutting a small piece of each of the 2 tubings, and attatch them to the filter-end of the FilterMax connections (the Rena tubing) and then attatch the 5/8" to that. The 5/8" slipped inside the Rio, but was too loose, so I wrapped it with teflon tape until I had a snug fit.
I put some Stability in this morning, so I'll wait a couple days to start the Vecton, but the rest of the setup is running. So far no leaks. Angelminx
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Post by angelminx on Jul 13, 2014 18:45:42 GMT -5
Carl,
I found another leak. This time it seemed to be comming from the base of the Vecton, so I disconnected the setup and drained it, then I took off the hosetail, and gasket, reseated them,and reconnected them. I also made sure that the connection with the 90 degree adapter was tight. I put everything back and set it up again, and restarted it. There didn't seem to be any leaking, from the short time I had it on, but I did notice (which I hadn't before) that the tubing running from the XP to the Vecton was kinked, almost like it was folded partway to cut off water flow--but I couldn't tell if there was reduced flow or not. So I turned it off again, and am leaving it connected to see if I notice any more leaking, and from where.
I think I need to purchase another 90 degree elbow for the intake into the Vecton, because the distance (in height) between the XP return and the Vecton intake is very small--only a few inches, (?)causing the kink. I'll also purchase some more FilterMax elbows. Any suggestions on connecting the elbow to the Rio intake? I set it up like in the picture, but it (the Rio intake) just seems to be a fraction too big. I'll place my order after I hear from you. Thanks.
(This is getting to be more expensive than I expected.)
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Post by Carl on Jul 13, 2014 19:32:59 GMT -5
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 14, 2014 9:07:36 GMT -5
wow, what a process angelminx. You're doing a great job, don't get discouraged.
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Post by angelminx on Jul 15, 2014 1:10:02 GMT -5
I decided to go ahead and order the 90 degree elbow for the Vecton sterilizers since it will swivel, and the 90 degree hose barbs won't (unless I'm wrong about that), just to be on the safe side.
I think the reason there's a kink in the hose now is since I couldn't find hangers that were 10" and 13" (hanging length) I had to go with the longer lengths. In the earlier post that's the measurements I meant to give, but I had the approximate longer lengths on the brain because that's what I would need (minimum) if I'd had to buy straight wire and had to bend it myself--the stores I checked didn't have that kind of wire either. I could probably have placed it even higher, but I moved the HOB to the right side of the tank so that water would be drawn into the filters on that side, and the UV return could be on the far left (filter/UV intake is now on the far right, with the HOB just to the right of the tank brace), so the Vecton had to clear the Whiper filter.
As I've said, The system isn't running right now, but it is still hooked up. I haven't really seen any more dripping; there is a little bit of water on the tubing where the kink is, but I've been keeping an eye on it, and I think it's just from residual water that I couldn't reach to wipe up. I could be wrong about that, though; I would have thought that would have dried up by now, but it IS sitting in the hollow in the kink, if that makes a difference.
I borrowed a 5" desk fan from my Mom today and have it sitting on the floor tilted down towards the leftover spillage on the floor. Since most of the water was behind the aquarium (some of it landed on the shelf below the tank), I couldn't reach it very well to wipe it up. A few years ago, when my 1st XP2 sprang a leak (where the cord entered the motor housing) we didn't realize at first that it was leaking. My Mom was helping me with water changes at the time because I was using a cane (having just graduated from a walker) after recovering from a broken leg that left me in a nursing home for 3 months after surgery to repair it. Anyway, we did the H2O change before noon, and later in the evening I went into the bedroom for something and noticed that the aquarium water was down about 8"! Before the H2O change/filter cleaning there had been nothing wrong with the filter. [It's at times like these that I wish Housing hadn't decided to put in carpeting--none when I moved in.] I cleaned up as best I could (and the Whisper 60 HOB went back into use), but the carpet was by no means dry. I was bad enough that this had happened, but it had to happen at the end of a HOT (and humid) summer, so the carpet drying out was that much more difficult--it really started to smell after a while. After a few days, I thought about using a fan to help dry it out. At the time my Mom had my pedestal fan, so I got it back and turned it on to blow onto the wet area (where it could reach) for the next week or so. So, now, I'm hoping to avoid the mold/mildew/smell after this "disaster." BTW, I forgot to mention: when I was taking down the UV system so that I could get the clamp and hangers, the tubing (where I disconnected it because if the previous leak) slipped out of my grasp (awkward position--reaching over the top of and behind the tank) and decided to pour out its contents of tank water onto the area I had just wiped up!
Hopefully, when I get the new elbow, everything will get straightened out (LOL) and this adventure will be over!! I can only assume that the last leakage problem was because of tension caused by the lower position of the Vecton and the kink.
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 15, 2014 9:04:18 GMT -5
what a chore. Hooking up a UV does take a little bit of tinkering, but shouldn't be so hard. At least you are getting through it. I hope you are keeping a bucket on hand when working with the tubing. I didn't have to use any clamps when hooking up mine. I just heated the tubing and when I pushed it on to the hose barbs, when the tubing cooled back down, it created a tight seal. Never had a leaking problem.
Are all you plug-ins off the ground? That would be really bad. Hope everything goes better once you get the new part. I used the 90 degree hose barbs. I'm not sure about your set-up enough to know how you are going to get a 90 vecton elbow to work. The intake or outtake must be right were the kink is.
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Post by Carl on Jul 16, 2014 13:05:18 GMT -5
The difficulties you have had with something that has taken me maybe 15-30 minutes to set up in my aquarium service got me to thinking.
I have talked with Steven (our picture video guy) about making a video when he has time with a very detailed step by step of such a set up. We already have some related videos such as UV bulb and quartz sleeve change.
My point is not to make you feel incompetent, in fact quite the opposite, it got me thinking what are we doing wrong in communicating how to set this up.
As an example, while I had an excellent math aptitude, it was pictorial and not at all abstract (I still struggle with formulas), however my Dad was a total abstract math whiz and often got impatient with me in attempting to explain what were simple concepts to him, but I simply could not get.
In High School I got a D the first time around with a teacher similar to my Dad's approach, so I re-took the class in summer school and got a teacher who explained things pictorially for me, in the end I got a B
Ditto when I was in flight school I was having issues with the math of navigation of flying blind by instrument until the instructor drew me pictures, then the light went on in my head.
My point is, even if you already got this going, I think such a video might help others so that they do not have so many difficulties.
I am not always good at explaining, especially for aspects such as DIY and plumbing, as this has always come naturally for me and I certainly do NOT want to make you feel bad for having this much trouble.
Again sorry that this was not smooth for you, and we will see what we can do to make explaining things like this more simple in the future.
The only difficulty for us is time, which with the poor economy we have to do so many other tasks that making a good video takes al lot of time, which right now is not a commodity we have
Carl
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Post by angelminx on Jul 17, 2014 15:40:21 GMT -5
Thanks, Carl.
I got the elbow in place, and the kink is out, I just can't figure out how to make it quit leaking. It is not a slow drip, either.
The first time I had a leak it was from where the tubing connected to the universal return. I got that fixed when I put on the TMC 90 degree elbow and lengthened the tubing some. Since then the leaks have all come from the intake to the Vecton. First from where the hosetail connected to the Vecton; I just replaced the standard (straight) connection with the (2nd) TMC 90 degree elbow, and the leaking is now comming from where the hosetail connects to the elbow. I've taken it apart and re-seated the hosetail/gasket 3 or 4 times. Not a job for just one person (not enough hands), especially since (because I don't have the strength to manipulate the hose clamps) all the "gadgets" are still connected. The last time I undid the lock nut for the hosetail, the gasket came off, and before I could grab it it fell into the tank. Instead of taking the whole thing into the other room to work on it, the last couple of times I just propped the Vecton across the top of the tank; the lights and hood were off to give me move maneuvering room (it's a tight fit behind the tank, too, and my right hand is all scraped up). Since the lights were not on the tank, it took me nearly half an hour to locate the gasket. I finally found it behind, and under the edge of the driftwood. I just can't figure out what to do to stop the leaking. It doesn't look like there's any strain on anything, and since I have to disconnect the "Quick Disconnect" from the XP2 to pull the unit up to work on it, I can't (briefly) run the unit while it's up where I can work on it (tubing not long enough) to see if I can figure out the exact problem. It's such a hassle to fight to pull it up, and then fight to put it back down again so I can "see" what the problem is--that is, besides not enough maneuvering room. The whole UV thing is almost not worth the hassle (almost). I really wish there was room to set the tank up like I had it before I moved, which was only one end adjacent to a wall.
I'm going to go back into the bedroom now and move things arround so I can hook the HOB and lights back up.
Desparate to stop the leaking, before I float away!!! Angelminx
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 17, 2014 16:29:38 GMT -5
Thanks, Carl. I got the elbow in place, and the kink is out, I just can't figure out how to make it quit leaking. It is not a slow drip, either. The first time I had a leak it was from where the tubing connected to the universal return. I got that fixed when I put on the TMC 90 degree elbow and lengthened the tubing some. Since then the leaks have all come from the intake to the Vecton. First from where the hosetail connected to the Vecton; I just replaced the standard (straight) connection with the (2nd) TMC 90 degree elbow, and the leaking is now comming from where the hosetail connects to the elbow. I've taken it apart and re-seated the hosetail/gasket 3 or 4 times. Not a job for just one person (not enough hands), especially since (because I don't have the strength to manipulate the hose clamps) all the "gadgets" are still connected. The last time I undid the lock nut for the hosetail, the gasket came off, and before I could grab it it fell into the tank. Instead of taking the whole thing into the other room to work on it, the last couple of times I just propped the Vecton across the top of the tank; the lights and hood were off to give me move maneuvering room (it's a tight fit behind the tank, too, and my right hand is all scraped up). Since the lights were not on the tank, it took me nearly half an hour to locate the gasket. I finally found it behind, and under the edge of the driftwood. I just can't figure out what to do to stop the leaking. It doesn't look like there's any strain on anything, and since I have to disconnect the "Quick Disconnect" from the XP2 to pull the unit up to work on it, I can't (briefly) run the unit while it's up where I can work on it (tubing not long enough) to see if I can figure out the exact problem. It's such a hassle to fight to pull it up, and then fight to put it back down again so I can "see" what the problem is--that is, besides not enough maneuvering room. The whole UV thing is almost not worth the hassle (almost). I really wish there was room to set the tank up like I had it before I moved, which was only one end adjacent to a wall. I'm going to go back into the bedroom now and move things arround so I can hook the HOB and lights back up. Desparate to stop the leaking, before I float away!!! Angelminx Angelminx, are you able to see if the leaking is coming from? Is it where the elbow is threaded onto the vecton, or is it where the tubing is hooked onto the elbow? If it's the threads, I can see this to be the problem, cause there isn't a lot of threads on the elbow. My suggestion would be to get Teflon tape and put it around the threads of the vecton. When threading the elbow on, do it as hard as you can, maybe even use a large adjustable locknut wrench. If it's where the tubing is connecting to the elbow, this isn't be an issue if the tubing is far enough on the elbow hosetail. When you heat the tubing and it cools back down, it creates a seal that should keep water from leaking. You can also use lub jelly here, if need be. This will help with the leak. I know you'll get through it. The threads of the elbow just needs to be really tight. Maybe find someone with some good hand strength if you don't have a locknut wrench. |
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Post by Carl on Jul 17, 2014 18:21:21 GMT -5
Angelminx; It might be best if you start from square one, with the exception of the TMC Elbows, there is nothing in this set up that should require much hand strength (if any) when set up as we suggest. This includes lubricating and heating the vinyl tubing. There should be no right angles that require a 90 degree adapter. See the picture below:  The only difference is you would not be looping the tubing from the Vecton up to the return adapter, rather straight down to the Filstar and then straight up from the Filstar. Hence, no need for right angles. The set up also requires no "hangers" Otherwise, if you stay with how you set up your system, as I suggested earlier, the use of a 90 degree hose barb adapter might be an easier fit and most certainly requires NO hand strength, just lubricating, heating, and slipping on (with an optional clamp for added protection).  Reference Part #7 Here: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/PlumbingParts.htmlHere is how this would look connected to the Vecton UV:  Carl |
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Post by angelminx on Jul 17, 2014 23:15:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions, guys.
D, the leaking looks like it's comming from the threading, but I can't tell for sure. When I try the teflon tape, about how many "layers" would you suggest? I'd like to be able to test if that works in just one try.
As for the elbow you suggest, Carl, I'll have to wait till next month to get it; I've already spent more than I can afford this month. However, which elbow would you suggest? I thought maybe the one you just posted, but since the XP2's hoses are not the same size as the 5/8" I want to be sure. I'm not good at coverting fractions and metric measurements because Math is MY WORST subject. When I jury-rigged the pre-filter to the Rio 1000 (after breaking my last elbow; I just got the replacements yesterday), I slipped a small piece of the XP2 hose (16mm) to the pre-filter's adapter, and slid a short piece of 5/8" into it, then slipped the 5/8" into the Rio where the pre-filter would attatch. I had to wrap some teflon tape around the 5/8" tubing so it would stay in place in the Rio; I had to use the 5/8", because the 16mm was the same size as the connection point on the Rio.
Anyway, I'll try the teflon tape later tomorrow and see what happens. Keep your fingers crossed (I think my fish are getting a little tired of me fooling around in their house, LOL!)
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 18, 2014 9:22:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. D, the leaking looks like it's comming from the threading, but I can't tell for sure. When I try the teflon tape, about how many "layers" would you suggest? I'd like to be able to test if that works in just one try. Anyway, I'll try the teflon tape later tomorrow and see what happens. Keep your fingers crossed (I think my fish are getting a little tired of me fooling around in their house, LOL!) I would say see if the tape will work first then. Use a good amount, you don't want to be able to see the threads through the tape. It's going to make an additional seal. |
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Post by Carl on Jul 18, 2014 9:46:54 GMT -5
Make sure this tap over laps the edge (with a good amount as noted) See picture from the TMC UV Sterilizer Page:  Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TMCUVSterilizer.html#tipsThe 1/2- 5/8" hose barb elbow I pictured. These are inexpensive and you might be able to find these at a local hardware store. But my main thought is that this set up should NOT have any 90 degree angles at all for your set up Carl |
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Post by angelminx on Jul 18, 2014 19:03:22 GMT -5
I tried the tape a little while ago, and the 1st time I guess I had too much tape because on the section with the hosetail I couldn't get the lock nut on all the way, causing the hosetail to wiggle around inside. I removed a little bit of the tape and was able to get the thing on tight. The section where the lock nut connects the elbow to the Vecton was on pretty snuggly--I had to practically force the thing to screw on; however, I'm still getting leaking! I looks like maybe from both places, but the section by the hosetail may be "contamination" from the "dripping" from the elbow connection to the Vecton. It's definitely leaking from there. I guess I just have to wait till next month when I have some money to order the hose barb elbow Carl suggested (I have to order a couple of other things from him then).
When I originally set the system up, I didn't use anything to hang the Vecton, and I think the tension from that is what helped cause the 1st leak, at the hose connection to the universal return. Btw, there's only about 9" between the bottom of the Vecton (not the bottom of where the the hosetail screws on) and the top of the connection for the XP2's Quick Disconnect device. It's very difficult to reconnect the filter after cleaning because there's such a small space between the filter and the pottom of the stand where the tank sits. I think the shelf under the tank may be a little high--that's the only reason I can think of for such a tight working space. Also, the space between the aquarium stand and the wall is so tight, that whenever I try to remove the Vecton to work on it, then put it all back, the Quick Disconnct keeps getting caught on the back of the stand. Even though the stand is just a basic (heavy-duty) wood-frame stand, it is not a homemade one, I bought it at the petstore I was working at in San Diego. A lot of the pet/fish stores had that style at the time, and they seemed to be very popular. This was the early 1980s.
Too bad I can't afford to have one of you guys come out and look at the situation in person--and possibly fix it!
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Hope your weekend is nice.
