I almost bought one of these but after reviews that many leaked I decided against it. I have a family member who works for a company that installs specialty piping in the pharmaceutical, oil, and other industries. I asked him to keep an eye out for clear PVC that I wanted some for a DIY aquarium project.
He recently blessed me with a free 10 foot long 3 inch length of schedule 40 clear pvc. Now I need to come up with a plan of how to actually build one of these.
Anyone build one before?
1) I am planning on using a piece of 3/4 inch to push water down and stir the sand (hope that makes sense) anyone think 1/2 or 1 inch is better?
2) How close to the bottom should I end the 3/4 pvc to stir the sand? If i’m too far from the bottom some sand won’t get stirred up. If i’m too close will the sides get stirred and aren’t I just being less efficient with the pump.
3) Worried about slowly "sandblasting" a hole into the bottom of the filter If I use a cheap home depot 3inch cap. I read somewhere that some put pebbles or ceramic rings at the bottom so the sand doesn’t cake and clog when turned off. I’ve read that people sand and rings all slowly dig a hole into the bottom of filter. I found a stainless steel cap for $60 online you think this is necessary? I though about buying a $12 flange as well where i can attach a piece of thick acrylic or even a steel plate and replace it as necessary. Is this "sandblasting" a serious concern? Happen to anyone?
4) thinking about making one 3 foot tall. I’m going to place it right behind my sump- there will be 3 foot of head pressure to get the water to the top of the filter, then the sand, then another three feet up to get out . I don’t have the slightest clue as to how strong of a pump I should buy. I definitely want an controllable pump like the Jebao DCT so I can up the pressure to get it started and then lower it just enough to keep it fluidized. How many GPH you think I'll need?
He recently blessed me with a free 10 foot long 3 inch length of schedule 40 clear pvc. Now I need to come up with a plan of how to actually build one of these.
Anyone build one before?
1) I am planning on using a piece of 3/4 inch to push water down and stir the sand (hope that makes sense) anyone think 1/2 or 1 inch is better?
2) How close to the bottom should I end the 3/4 pvc to stir the sand? If i’m too far from the bottom some sand won’t get stirred up. If i’m too close will the sides get stirred and aren’t I just being less efficient with the pump.
3) Worried about slowly "sandblasting" a hole into the bottom of the filter If I use a cheap home depot 3inch cap. I read somewhere that some put pebbles or ceramic rings at the bottom so the sand doesn’t cake and clog when turned off. I’ve read that people sand and rings all slowly dig a hole into the bottom of filter. I found a stainless steel cap for $60 online you think this is necessary? I though about buying a $12 flange as well where i can attach a piece of thick acrylic or even a steel plate and replace it as necessary. Is this "sandblasting" a serious concern? Happen to anyone?
4) thinking about making one 3 foot tall. I’m going to place it right behind my sump- there will be 3 foot of head pressure to get the water to the top of the filter, then the sand, then another three feet up to get out . I don’t have the slightest clue as to how strong of a pump I should buy. I definitely want an controllable pump like the Jebao DCT so I can up the pressure to get it started and then lower it just enough to keep it fluidized. How many GPH you think I'll need?
