DIY Filter on top of the tank

[mk2000]

Sharing my DIY filter on top of the tank. I got tired of cleaning my 2 canisters and wanted something easier... I was going to do a sump beneath the tank/inside the stand, but didn't have enough room. So I had made this and so far (almost 3 months) it's working well.

 

[fishdance]

There is no emergency overflow so if any one of those layers get clogged, water will back up and leak out. Hopefully if this happens most of the water will end up back in your tank.

Also I wonder if the last few stages get enough oxygen? The aerobic bacteria strip oxygen pretty fast if they are active. Hopefully you have some breather holes which are not visible.

 

[paopanlilio]

kinda looks like this http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240165

and i aggree last few layers may not have enough oxygen

 

[KLee79]

isnt it possible that the last couple layers will build up anerobic bacteria? just a thought...

 

[carcrazy]

You could add an overflow return hose by adding a hole and hose near the top that runs back to the tank in case the filter overflows. This is just like on my protein skimmer that has an overflow hose connected to the collector cup.

 

[mk2000]

There is no emergency overflow so if any one of those layers get clogged, water will back up and leak out. Hopefully if this happens most of the water will end up back in your tank.

Also I wonder if the last few stages get enough oxygen? The aerobic bacteria strip oxygen pretty fast if they are active. Hopefully you have some breather holes which are not visible.

You could add an overflow return hose by adding a hole and hose near the top that runs back to the tank in case the filter overflows. This is just like on my protein skimmer that has an overflow hose connected to the collector cup.

Thanks guy. I will make/add an overflow return hose in case one of the layers do get clogged. Greatly appreciated your help/suggestions.

 

[Sab_Fan]

very interesting . . . personally, I prefer to keep my canister filters out-of-sight, but I'm always impressed when people do these things themselves . . .