Hello All,
I was hoping to get some guidance for a DIY filter I want to build.
I've been wanting a better filter for my 20 gallon hex aquarium for a while now, and after doing a lot of research into the types of filters out there, I decided to go with a trickle down from the top filter under the tank through a bulkhead into an airtight container, trickles through media, then sucked from the bottom through another bulkhead by an inline pump and returned to the aquarium.
My goal is to build a great, dependable filter, as cheaply as possible, without skimping on quality, durability and ease of maintenance with minimal maintenance costs after the initial build and minimal risk of leakage.
This is what I've come up with so far...
Intake through an Eheim Intake Install Set 1 : 1/2" with Eheim 494 tubing into the top of the filter via a 1/2" bulkhead into a Snapware 23 cup rectangular airtight container (Drilled for Bulkheads and Sealed) with 10.8 and 17 cup containers trimmed and drilled to serve as baskets for sponge and foam in the top one and nylon pot scrubbers and foam in the second basket, then sucked from the bottom through another 1/2" bulkhead by an externally mounted AquaVita 528 Hydroponic Grow Plant Care Submersible/In-Line Aquarium Tank Water Pump that cycles 528 gph, up to the tank through more Eheim 494 tubing to an Eheim Spray Bar Install Set 2: 1/2". I plan to use quick disconnects for the tubing for easy maintenance, and I want to include a separate line with quick disconnects to send water changes outside to the flower beds using the pump.
My biggest question is, which kind of bulkheads are better Slip, then sealed or Threaded, with fittings and hose clamps?
Also, I'm not set on the Eheim sets, but couldn't figure something else out that didn't look hodge podge, nor am I set on the pump, but I do want it outside the filter for ease of maintenance and routing the water changes outside.
Any and all ideas, tips or improvements are welcomed!
Thank you for your help!
I was hoping to get some guidance for a DIY filter I want to build.
I've been wanting a better filter for my 20 gallon hex aquarium for a while now, and after doing a lot of research into the types of filters out there, I decided to go with a trickle down from the top filter under the tank through a bulkhead into an airtight container, trickles through media, then sucked from the bottom through another bulkhead by an inline pump and returned to the aquarium.
My goal is to build a great, dependable filter, as cheaply as possible, without skimping on quality, durability and ease of maintenance with minimal maintenance costs after the initial build and minimal risk of leakage.
This is what I've come up with so far...
Intake through an Eheim Intake Install Set 1 : 1/2" with Eheim 494 tubing into the top of the filter via a 1/2" bulkhead into a Snapware 23 cup rectangular airtight container (Drilled for Bulkheads and Sealed) with 10.8 and 17 cup containers trimmed and drilled to serve as baskets for sponge and foam in the top one and nylon pot scrubbers and foam in the second basket, then sucked from the bottom through another 1/2" bulkhead by an externally mounted AquaVita 528 Hydroponic Grow Plant Care Submersible/In-Line Aquarium Tank Water Pump that cycles 528 gph, up to the tank through more Eheim 494 tubing to an Eheim Spray Bar Install Set 2: 1/2". I plan to use quick disconnects for the tubing for easy maintenance, and I want to include a separate line with quick disconnects to send water changes outside to the flower beds using the pump.
My biggest question is, which kind of bulkheads are better Slip, then sealed or Threaded, with fittings and hose clamps?
Also, I'm not set on the Eheim sets, but couldn't figure something else out that didn't look hodge podge, nor am I set on the pump, but I do want it outside the filter for ease of maintenance and routing the water changes outside.
Any and all ideas, tips or improvements are welcomed!
Thank you for your help!
