DIY Overhead Filter plans for 500-1000 gallon

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AdzyHany

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 5, 2011
133
2
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peterborough, Ontario, Canada
I just spent like an half hour on the drawings and it didn't save so ill just explain it and as long as everyone else thinks its a good idea, ill draw it all out again.

It seems to me like it would work, but I'm no expert.

tank plans: 96"x48"36" with a 90"x30" viewing window

My tank will be built into a wall in a small, heat/humid controlled room. since above the tank will be behind the wall, I figured an overhead filter that drains into the tank would be easiest. Starting with a large Rubber trash can (32 gallon) positioned with the bottom of the trash can slightly above water height in tank. 2" drain from bottom of the tank to 4000-8000 GPH inline pump/pumps depending on size of tank. Water pumped up to top of trash can. 2" bulkhead into the side of the trash can into a removable multiple 1" bar sprinkler system. 6-8" down will be a perforated tray with a few inches of sponge filter on top. 4" below that tray will be another perforated tray with bags of chemical filtration on top. Under that tray will be a couple feet of bioballs and scrubbies held up by another perforated tray about 4" from the bottom of the can. under that tray will be a bulkhead with a 2.5" return drain to display tank. I will probably have a bulkhead through the back of the tank for the return from the filter to make it easier to cover the tank.

Any problems?
 
Only problem I see with it is how your going to support the weight of the filter?

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AdzyHany said:
well if it is draining fast enough, the water shouldnt go over 3" deep lol. but to answer your question, a wooden stand
Click to expand...

As long as your prepared to support the weight. Filter media can be heavy once saturated. Especially sponge.

But it's a great design. Most pond filters run off the same principles

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sounds fine, i did the same thing with a 5 gallon plastic drum and it kept the water crystal clear.
i had to remove mine though as it wasent built into a wall and was really loud.
Because it never fills up the sound of constant running water drove me mad.
one thing to be careful of is making sure it cant clog up at the bulkhead, mine overflowed a couple of times until i used a sieve to keep it clear.
 
ya the room it will be in will be all sealed off and insulated so sound wont be a problem. I wonder if there is some kind of sump pump like tripping system to shut off the pump if the drain gets clogged and water gets too high? also, what would be the easiest way to cover a tank this size? i was thinking of bracing a 2'x2' door on top and then just seal off the rest with poly sheeting
 
AdzyHany said:
ya the room it will be in will be all sealed off and insulated so sound wont be a problem. I wonder if there is some kind of sump pump like tripping system to shut off the pump if the drain gets clogged and water gets too high? also, what would be the easiest way to cover a tank this size? i was thinking of bracing a 2'x2' door on top and then just seal off the rest with poly sheeting
Click to expand...

Pre cut glass or eggcrate works good! Or build a canopy that will simplify your overhead filter.

Only problem I see with the filter is if you lose power will it stay primed so it doesn't run dry or overflow the main tank? Especially if you plan on keeping heaters in the can.


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I think i have a way to fix this problem. reverse the setup, foam at the bottom, then chemical, then bioballs and scrubbies at the top then position the top of the filter slightly above tank water height. then pump the water to the bottom of the filter and let it over flow to the return drain at the top. filter would be heavy but I can build a stand for it still. If i lost power, the filter would stay full and not dry out

edit: do bio balls and scrubbies work submerged?
 
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