DIY canister question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I'd be worried about how many hours' life it's rated for. Most bilge pumps aren't designed to be run continuously like we use them in a sump. This one says long life, but doesn't give an hour rating like other bilge pumps I've looked at.

Opening the user manual that's linked on it says that handling the cords will result in exposure to lead. It also states that it's not designed to pump water hotter than 77° F. Running it with water higher than 77° F will result in the pump stopping often. It's 12V as well, so you'll need to run a transformer between your wall outlet and the pump.

Overall, I don't recommend it.
 
I just did some scouting for materials for my DIY canister filter, I think its going to be very successful and yes it is going to be a bucket canister. I know you can get a fx5 for the same price but im confident my canister will do a better job and have a much higher flow rate, not to mention it will be done for around $200 fully loaded. Once i complete it ill post it in the DIY forums.It will be the exact same design as ehiem's http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189979
p.s. im going with a very reliable pump thats why this will cost so much. Dont use a cheap bilge pump.
 
Good luck, your going to need it.
People continually think they can build a high performance canister at a better price than an “off the shelf” unit. The many challenges your going to face will give you a new appreciation for the thought that went into a manufactured canister.
Long run, when you finally tally up your build costs and add in the extra hassle a home built will need for cleaning…
Well, you`ll see.
Like I said, Good Luck.
 
Yeah, I already see. Just looking at the water pump has shown me that. I think I will just get an off the shelf unit and maybe put one of my canisters on before or after the store bought unit. I think I am going to go Heim, just for the upgrade ability. I think if I get a unit that is designed for my size tank, I can upgrade the pump later and add my DIY canister to increase the performance. My canister will probably be full of floss for polishing or maybe a big bag of rings.
 
full of floss for polishing

Take a peak at CADelta`s rig.
P1000472.jpg

Only big cost is the pump.
With a bit of shopping around, you can find an inline capable pump in the 500+gph range for not that much.
I`ve used this type of system with great results.

upgrade the pump later
Not sure how a factory canister would react to an external pump.
Could defeat it`s seals and leave you with a big mess.
 
Thanks for the pic, that is kind of what I was considering with my system except I was going to use PVC canisters with a flow thru design. I still can't wrap my head around how those screw on things work with the input and output on the top. I am sure if I could take one apart I would understand though.

KaiserSousay;4468693; said:
upgrade the pump later
Not sure how a factory canister would react to an external pump.
Could defeat it`s seals and leave you with a big mess.
Click to expand...

I had a picture of the big 5 gallon canister in my head when I wrote that. Sorry, I was under the impression that all Heim canisters were an external pump design with the pump mounted on top of the canister under a small aesthetic cover.
 
And of course, I keep screwing up the name of the filter company. It is the Eheim that I am talking about.

Can you give me more info on the rig you posted. I tried searching for CADelta but it said that it wasn't a valid user name.
 
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/member.php?u=76119

The one he built was, hands down, the cleanest use of whole house water filters.
These have a number of things going for them.
Initial cost of the filter housings, as low as $20 for one.
The cost of the replacement, 20 micron cartridges is around $7 for a pack of 2.
They are already plumbed, 3/4 npt., in and out.
They are water tight and can work under pressure.
Add a pump and some PVC and you could have a K/A filter in an afternoon and spend less than the cost of the cheapest canister.
Good luck.
 
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