DIY Filters

[Lissaspence]

I've never built a filter before and know nothing about it, but I would like to give it a try. Can anyone either point me in the direction of a helpful thread (searched but there was so much info it was hard to get through) or provide me with some help.
There are several different kinds correct? Drip, overflow, and canister....
Are some better than others?
I'm sure it's probably too complicated to lay out specific building plans here so can anyone point me toward some helpful web sites or books?
Thank you!

 

[doomsau]

im in the same boat, i wish i could help you out

 

[Jgray152]

In my sig, click on the link to get info on DIY canisters

 

[I<3fish]

Or use this link, sump filters are better and prolly a lil less of a hassle than canisters : D. http://tinyurl.com/nkwcd9

 

[Lissaspence]

thanks I<3fish. I found lots of good info there. Some is still a little more vague than I would like but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Is the drip, overflow, wet/dry and sump all the same thing? It gets confusing when there is so many names

 

[Lissaspence]

Also I haven't heard any mention of Carbon with these filters. Is it ok to do with out that if you have enough biological filters?

 

[I<3fish]

thanks I<3fish. I found lots of good info there. Some is still a little more vague than I would like but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Is the drip, overflow, wet/dry and sump all the same thing? It gets confusing when there is so many names

They are all basically the same name. Wet/dry is when your biological filtration is about 2/3 out of water and the other 1/3 in water so different types of waste removing bacteria can filter the different types of wastes (Ammonia, nitrate, nitrite.) Overflow is the thing you will be using to get the water from the tank to the filter. drip is the same thing as wet/dry. And sump is when your media is fully submerged in water. Wet/dry filter is best in my opinion.

Also I haven't heard any mention of Carbon with these filters. Is it ok to do with out that if you have enough biological filters?

Carbon is not needed in an aquarium environment unless removing meds from the water. You really don't need it. You will want to have a majority of your filtration biological.

 

[Gator]

They are all basically the same name. Wet/dry is when your biological filtration is about 2/3 out of water and the other 1/3 in water so different types of waste removing bacteria can filter the different types of wastes (Ammonia, nitrate, nitrite.) Overflow is the thing you will be using to get the water from the tank to the filter. drip is the same thing as wet/dry. And sump is when your media is fully submerged in water. Wet/dry filter is best in my opinion.

Carbon is not needed in an aquarium environment unless removing meds from the water. You really don't need it. You will want to have a majority of your filtration biological.

What he said regarding the carbon. Most people dont realize that the carbon is like a sponge sure it removes impurities and toxins from the water but once its full it starts releasing what ever its absorbed back into the water.

 

[knox_rbp]

What he said regarding the carbon. Most people dont realize that the carbon is like a sponge sure it removes impurities and toxins from the water but once its full it starts releasing what ever its absorbed back into the water.

Thanks for the info. I didnt know that about carbon.

 

[Lissaspence]

Thanks so much everyone! Super helpful!