HOB filter placement...

[maxwell1295]

I just bought a new glass Versa-Top for my 30gal tank. Right now my HOB is on the left side of the tank and that's where all of the current is. My rams pretty much hang out on the right side, where there is no current. The dominant pair settled in the right corner and the other pair were pretty much nomads because of the current on the left side. Whenever they drifted over to the center or right saide of the tank, they got chased back over to the left side again.

My question is: Does it make sense to put the filter in the center of the tank, creating 2 sides of the tank that are current free? How will this impact water flow in general. I get the impression that it would be more evenly distributed.

Since I'm about to re-do my entire tank over the weekend with new driftwood and plants, I want to make sure I get it right the first time.....

[Zagz]

Under the circumstances of your tank, I would say it would make sense to have the HOB in the middle allowing for 2 sides to be current free. This is of course depending on the flow of your HOB. I have a powerful HOB on my 29 gal and if I put it in the middle it would create current everywhere.

[maxwell1295]

I have a Penguin 350 on a 30gal long tank. I placed it in the center and there are two areas on either side where the current is fairly low. The fish don't seem to mind at all. As a matter of fact, my neon tetras are enjoying the current. They are a lot more active than they were prior to me moving it over.