DIY filter design for dummies (me)

[ghengis]

See the Masthead at the top of this page? Just below it is a "Search" button. Hit that and type "DIY overflow" (or "DIY sump" or "Return Pump" etc...). Commence reading. There is an absolute mountain of info, on any project you'd want to pursue, on this Forum. Search button is your friend...abuse it.

To answer your question re: needing an OF box, you could make a PVC Overflow...

Again, use the search function, it really is an amazing piece of technology...

 

[mattheuw1]

ghengis...you really know how to make people feel comfortable asking questions to the community. Not one of the DIY threads specify that you HAVE TO HAVE an overflow to use a sump system. I just wanted someone to clarify, not ridicule! Am I not in the DIY sump for dummies? Is this not the spot to ask dumb questions about filter designs? J@ck@ss!

 

[ghengis]

Hey, you don't want my advice, don't take it. It's really no biggie.

Simply put, the search button is there to help folks like you, and also myself, not feel uncomfortable about asking "dumb" questions... It saves folks from repeating the same answers over and over and becoming frustrated, and it really is the quickest way to find all the answers one needs on common topics, without having to wait for someone to respond to one's post... Another handy function is the quick link box at the bottom of each page of every Thread...check it out.

And, j@ck@ss?? Could that be considered personal abuse...??

 

[isa.alhadad]

You could use a ball valve to control the flow of your water.

My pump is way too strong and it used to drain my diy canister. Installed a ball valve, tuned it down and it's all perfect now.

 

[blkg35]

If you are going to use a sump then you will need an overflow box. The overflow box brings the water from the tank down to your sump. You then need a water pump to pump the water from your sump back into your tank. You can buy a overflow box at any LFS. The sump you can build out of the 55gal you have. This is called a Wet and Dry filter.
These ARE required for a wet and dry filter:
1) a overflow box
2) the sump
3) a water pump
You will also need to know the turnover rate you want. This will depend on the size of your tank. The avg turnover rate is 4-5 times the size of your tank. But I have a 7-8 time turnover rate on all my tanks.
If you need more help you can PM me.

 

[busyfishing159753]

you do not need an over flow box you need some sort of drain to you this could be pvc overflow, overflow box, drilled holes

 

[Oosh]

You could use a ball valve to control the flow of your water.

My pump is way too strong and it used to drain my diy canister. Installed a ball valve, tuned it down and it's all perfect now.

Really not the best way to do things, choking the pump down like that, you need to increase the capacity of the inlet side of things (or get a smaller pump).

If you really must slow the pump, put a tee on the outlet, with a ball valve and pipe and adjust til the desired proportion of the water back in to the sump.

 

[mattheuw1]

If you are going to use a sump then you will need an overflow box. The overflow box brings the water from the tank down to your sump. You then need a water pump to pump the water from your sump back into your tank. You can buy a overflow box at any LFS. The sump you can build out of the 55gal you have. This is called a Wet and Dry filter.
These ARE required for a wet and dry filter:
1) a overflow box
2) the sump
3) a water pump
You will also need to know the turnover rate you want. This will depend on the size of your tank. The avg turnover rate is 4-5 times the size of your tank. But I have a 7-8 time turnover rate on all my tanks.
If you need more help you can PM me.

Best explanation ever. Thanks for the clarification

 

[tylerperkins]

Really not the best way to do things, choking the pump down like that, you need to increase the capacity of the inlet side of things (or get a smaller pump).

If you really must slow the pump, put a tee on the outlet, with a ball valve and pipe and adjust til the desired proportion of the water back in to the sump.

if a ball valve is not a good idea why do all the big name companies put some kind of flow adjuster on their filters the pump stays teh same speed all the adjuster is doing iw slowing the flow back to the tank?

 

[Oosh]

Because it's the cheapest easiest option.