DIY Monster Canister Filter!

[Oreo]

A sump pump will certainly be strong enough. They're meant to push water 8-12' up minimum. But it's taking up a lot of room in your bucket. Kinda defeating the purpose of your 5gal.

I can see why you chose a 5gal bucket. But in my not so humble opinion, I think you may eventually realize that the real solution to mechanical filtration is to separate it completely from the bio-filter container & put it in it's own package. Then the 6" PVC isn't such a bad idea, expense aside. I hope your idea works though.

If you find you have leaks at the inlet & outlets, consider ordering some PVC bulkhead fittings. They're meant for this kind of think & will make a much better seal. They're not expensive either.

 

[zennzzo]

it is a sump pump. 1/4 horse power 1500 GPH. It says right on it "continuous duty" so it should do the trick

I was gonna also let ya know, the sump pump I used in 100% duty cycle, put off alot of extra heat I didn't need. Look for that as well...

 

[Oreo]

I was gonna also let ya know, the sump pump I used in 100% duty cycle, put off alot of extra heat I didn't need. Look for that as well...

That's a good point. In fact, these kinds of pumps are meant to only be used submerged for that very reason. The water helps cool the pump. If you've ever run them out of the water- they get HOT HOT HOT & will eventually either burn up or turn off via thermal safety switch.

 

[Mattyou]

I smell a water leak.

 

[Knowdafish]

Check out this chart: http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14259/css/14259_50.htm

Yes, it's for new copper tubing, but PVC shouldn't be much different. Going by this chart I don't think your 3/4" inlet will even come close to the flow rate of the pump you are using. The chart lists GPH under pressure too, your inlet is just going to gravity fed the way I understand it. This makes inlet flow even lower!

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

That's a good point. In fact, these kinds of pumps are meant to only be used submerged for that very reason. The water helps cool the pump. If you've ever run them out of the water- they get HOT HOT HOT & will eventually either burn up or turn off via thermal safety switch.

Good thing I dont plan on running it out of water...

I smell a water leak.

I smell someone who isnt very handy. Leaks can be fixed but the damage to ones pride for paying $300 for something they could have built for $50 cannot.

 

[Mattyou]

Hope that all works out for you handy.

 

[ITHURTZ]

Im making a 8 gallon 1500gph canister. Should be working tmw and outside testing for leaks, then in the kiddie pool sunday. $150 1500gph canister, nuff said!

 

[Oreo]

Good thing I dont plan on running it out of water...

That's not the point smartypants! The point was that it's going to heat the water up significantly.

I smell someone who isn't very handy also. 'Cause I think your $50 canister heater is going to leak.

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

Hope that all works out for you handy.

It will. Thanks

Im making a 8 gallon 1500gph canister. Should be working tmw and outside testing for leaks, then in the kiddie pool sunday. $150 1500gph canister, nuff said!

Im glad there is someone else out there who see the light as well! I wish I could find an eight gallon gasketed container! BTW so far my total is $70