DIY Monster Canister Filter!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
let me know how that goes. I may use that instead. I missed that on that usplastics site.,
 
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!
Click to expand...

If its sealed, than the negitive pressure the sump pump will produce in the container will pull water at a very high velocity through the intake pipe. He should go with atleast 1,25-1.5" PVC instead of 3/4 since 3/4 is used for pumps up to around 400-500 GPH. This is the great thing about canister filters, the pump out only exactly what the syphon in.

EDIT, I just noticed in the pic that it looks like he is going woth larger diameter piping.

The higher the velocity the greater the pressure drop. The equals out to less flow. The OP will NOT get 1500 GPH from this with 3/4" tubing.
 
ITHURTZ;1860670; said:
Fish I bought this
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=25&product%5Fid=292&variant%5Fid=75041

Has a gasket on top with a metal clamp on the side. I drilled 2 1 3/4" holes for the 1" bulk heads. I should be testing it tomorrow hopefully for leaks
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Nice choice of container!...
And the use of bulkhead fittings is top notch...

If I were to build another I'd use these same materials...
I'd pipe the intake to the bottom of the barrel and use the outlet to flow water upwards through the media and out a bulkhead on the top...
also there are bulkhead fittings that are for sealing around electrical wires for the pump...
Here is another site great for these goodies... http://www.mcmaster.com/
 
I have access to free 30gal drums that are definitely sealed enough to handle aquarium pressure. The only catch is that they originaly contained Zinc Orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor. Does anyone know if that chemical can be cleaned out acceptably enough for aquarium use?
 
Oreo;1860486; said:
That's not the point smartypants! The point was that it's going to heat the water up significantly.:screwy:

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

I live in Wisconsin so that just means I wont have to spend as much on heaters :D

Heck now its a dual purpose DIY

Im always up for a challenge. Im not saying the first time around it will be perfect but hey ive got an extra $250 to mess around with before it becomes a poor investment. ;)

So far it seems most of you dont have alot of faith. All the more reason to press on :headbang2


you want to talk about containing pressure?
Let me show you my DIY 8 foot long propane potato gun with internal mixing fan and push button firing mechanism. :drool: It redefines fast food



 
Jgray152;1860697; said:
If its sealed, than the negitive pressure the sump pump will produce in the container will pull water at a very high velocity through the intake pipe. He should go with atleast 1,25-1.5" PVC instead of 3/4 since 3/4 is used for pumps up to around 400-500 GPH. This is the great thing about canister filters, the pump out only exactly what the syphon in.

EDIT, I just noticed in the pic that it looks like he is going woth larger diameter piping.

The higher the velocity the greater the pressure drop. The equals out to less flow. The OP will NOT get 1500 GPH from this with 3/4" tubing.
Click to expand...

it claims 1500 gph through a garden hose...which is 1/2 id

and regardless its going to flow PLENTY! Its going on a 110
 
Fish eat fish,
I'm not trying to doubt ya,
I hope this DIY canister works and works well for ya. If your fish get more filtration then it's a win win situation...
So where are ya now on your project?


Oreo;1860933; said:
I have access to free 30gal drums that are definitely sealed enough to handle aquarium pressure. The only catch is that they originaly contained Zinc Orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor. Does anyone know if that chemical can be cleaned out acceptably enough for aquarium use?
Click to expand...
Plastic is cheap...why take the chance?
 
Well, that's one way to look at it. I was thinking more along the lines of- I've got a bunch of them sitting right in front of me, & if it's just a matter of hosing them out a few times...

Another way to look at it is perhaps it's worth seeing how a few goldfish fare first. I also suppose I could research the type of plastic & the chemical itself & see if theres any information on the suitability of these drums for reuse / contamination.

A commercial 30gal or 50gal drum would have to be one of the larger DIY, hobbiest canister filters though. Not to mention that at that size & diameter contact time would be... rediculously good.
 
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