Hello and question

[BIO-Linist]

Hello.
I am very glad to find this site! Very interesting to read.
Now I'm considering building an algae filter in a freshwater setup. Am studying your algae filter systems now.
But I have a question that I can't find the answer by just reading, because it is hard to put in words and search for.

Why does the recommended 'waterfall pipe' supply water from a narrow slot facing downwards, rather than a wide slot facing upwards?

[SantaMonica]

Because the slot feeds a screen, which slides up into the slot from below.

[BIO-Linist]

What I meant was this:
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/575/afslottop.png

[SantaMonica]

It was tried once, where a pipe above would feed the open pipe below, which would let you take out the pipe below without turning off the water. But I have not heard back from that design in a year.

Generally, it would only work if you pumped very large amounts, otherwise flow would be too scattered and random on the screen. There would be lots of splashing and splatter. Algae would start growing (and letting go of) the pipe itself. And if there were a small angle to the pipe, all the water would go out one end.

Try it if you like... seems easy enough. One good thing is it could never clog up.

[BIO-Linist]

Ok, thank you!