Question about filtering a 400 Gallon Tank

[JK47]

That's Good advice, Thanks man. Let me ask you this - how often do they need to be back-washed? I currently do weekly water changes sooo - weekly is easy, just wondeing what a normal back-flush regiment would be?

I have x3 female rays (two are pregnant) and a 28" leichardti arowana in that tank (770 gallon volume) so it is fed heavily. If I did a backwash weekly it would waste water. I do them every other week and that could easily be pushed another week or two without the filters even skipping a beat. M\y design was specific though. I tried to correct the shortcomings in the design for tank use. For a 1000 model and ran by itself, ever other week would be plenty with your stock. If worried to do it weekly.

PS what reeflo pump would u recommend for the Ultima 1000? Based off your experience?

PPS - My Bad , Looks like the Dart/Snapper is the model pump =).

Only problem now is how to eyeball the flow rate of that pump from 1825 GPH @ 10' head pump to 1200? lol

Eyeball = valve a dart back 2/3. You dont have to be accurate. Just ballpark. You weant the extra flow during backwash mode, not in filter mode.

PS - I also run Ultima 1000 models with soft line from inside the tank/pond and laguna submersible pumps. The 2400 is half the cost of a Reeflo or external. But you have to look at a pump in the tank. I haven't ever posted it but it's mobile and works stellar... You can set up a ray capable and cycled tank in an hour. For me and most ray keepers that is priceless.

 

[Arkangel77]

Thanks - that's what I was thinking. As for a submersible pump, I am working real hard to make this look very nice as it going to be in my office and my wife (who is not a fan) will have to look at it also - Great option but don't think ima go submersible for my application =)

Thanks a Ton for all the help man!

 

[JK47]

Thanks - that's what I was thinking. As for a submersible pump, I am working real hard to make this look very nice as it going to be in my office and my wife (who is not a fan) will have to look at it also - Great option but don't think ima go submersible for my application =)

Thanks a Ton for all the help man!

You got it! Any more questions please feel free to ask. Like I said there are pros and cons to both and it takes a bit of research to build the perfect system.

 

[Arkangel77]

I will for sure. There is a learning curve for sure. Now to weigh out is it worth the $900 investment - which I think it prolly is. Just need to digest it =0

 

[nzafi]

It could be possible/plausible depending upon ones stocking levels. I wouldn't invest in the kind of money they require and only use it for two turn overs though. I use mine for mech and bio. Those of you who read through my last build thread know I took a unique approach though for a very specific application.

My 600 has two Ultima II 2000 and two Reeflo Dart gold model pumps. I push the limits but it is an awesome setup. I love it

So you run much higher gph than what is recommended? I guess you rely on your sumps for mechanical.

 

[JK47]

So you run much higher gph than what is recommended? I guess you rely on your sumps for mechanical.

I run both types of setup. The 2000’s are proper flow rate. Sump doesn’t even have filter socks. No mech at all. The pond 1000’s are way overkill GPH. That’s to beef up bio. I can slow it down easily if needed as a complete filter.

 

[Arkangel77]

I actually thought of a few questions if you don't mind?

I have limited vertical space - I know the 1000 claim to be 27" tall. In your Experience how much height is required minimum to be able to operate the top valve properly?

Also - I am assuming hard lines before the pump and soft line after? If that's accurate what type flexible line do you use?

Finally - I have 1.5" bulkheads before the pump in the tank already and 1" for return lines already in the tank. In your opinion do you think that would adversely affect the systems performance? that's 1/2" smaller than both sides of the Pump

Thanks for answering all my silly questions =)

 

[JK47]

I actually thought of a few questions if you don't mind?

I have limited vertical space - I know the 1000 claim to be 27" tall. In your Experience how much height is required minimum to be able to operate the top valve properly?

Also - I am assuming hard lines before the pump and soft line after? If that's accurate what type flexible line do you use?

Finally - I have 1.5" bulkheads before the pump in the tank already and 1" for return lines already in the tank. In your opinion do you think that would adversely affect the systems performance? that's 1/2" smaller than both sides of the Pump

Thanks for answering all my silly questions =)

No worries. In order of questions asked:

I run my Ultimas next to the tank. IMO a 1000 need 30” clear to easily see the labels on top.

I have one setup (2000’s) that is all hardline. I have other setup that are black pond soft line (1000’s) and either way is fine. I prefer hardline PVC. The advantage for softlines are mobility. I wouldn’t move around a 2000 anyway. Some pics of the soft line I use as well as PVC.











The 1.5” inlet will help. That’s the same diameter as the plumbing on an Ultima Arker models come in 2” as well). The 1” return isn’t a huge issue since it is on the pressurized side. Cost you a couple GPH in restriction at worst. You would be restricting the pump anyway.

 

[Arkangel77]

Thanks a lot, you have helped me out tons =)

 

[nzafi]

I have a couple more questions out of curiosity:
1) When you do the backflush does it impact your bio capacity and cause mini-cycles? I think some folks complained about this.
2) Do think there is a need to run two for backup and sustainability?
3) Are you running drips on your tank? I think you were taking approach of letting your drip fill the tanks up after backwash but dont' remember.

I was under the impression it you would need to backwash more often, which is awesome.