DIY wet/dry setup tips or help.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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Nepherael

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 12, 2012
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Warsaw, Indiana
Hi there. I've been doing some research into a wet/dry setup and I honestly don't have that kind of money to invest in one from a manufacturer. I bought a nice 50g tank with a decent canister filter and everything included (even a nice oak stand) for cheaper than any wet/dry setup that I've seen. That said, I was wondering if anyone had some good how-to resources or, even better, if anyone was willing to build one for me (I'm not sure how the shipping would be for it but after the BoM I still would be saving money)?

Maybe there's even someone out there that already has or has built one that they are looking to upgrade or is willing to work something out with me on?

For reference, I currently have a 50g tank but if I go this route I want it built to withstand a moderate bioload in a 75g as I'm sure I will upgrade down the road but probably not any higher.
 
Well the general price of a cheap one around 75g gets close to $200. I'd prefer to be less than $100 (closer to $50 would make me smile big though) but I don't know the price of acrylic. when it comes down to it, if it's gonna be expensive (relative to the price of buying it) then I'll work on saving up =/

Also, just a quick question. I've seen wet/dry and sumps mentioned. Does a wet/dry setup automatically include a sump? Some people have made it seem like that is something extra and some people have made it sound like it's just part of it. Either way I'd like to have a sump with it if it affects the price. That's also more of a future proofing thing because I'd like an area to have stuff setup if I ever use it in a saltwater setup and just because if I'm gonna do it I'm gonna take it all the way
 
I found this as my first result doing a search

http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=26

For just a filter I could probably go with 1/4" thick right? Or even thinner? Wouldn't be too much pressure on it thought I'd rather be over rated than underrated. The price isn't too bad. A ballpark number in my head says I wouldn't need more than 9 sq ft but obviously I haven't done any measurements and I'm posting in here because I wouldn't even know where to start. I'm sure I could do it, I would just need a good step by step (though I'd almost prefer to pay an experienced aquarist who enjoys DIY stuff.

So at my ballpark of 9sq fr it's $55 that just leaves pipe and fittings and some sort of pump? Almost seems like if the pump alone is $50 and the fittings and pip comes up to $20 I'm still spending quite a bit. Once again though, I'm making a lot of presumptions here.
 
Ok I've been looking into it a bit more and trying to figure it out. I think it actually won't be too bad to build. Can anyone answer a few specifics for me?

If I use a fish tank as a wet/dry what size tank would I need to adequately filter a 50 or 75? I want it to be able to handle a 75g but it will be started on a 50g. Also what size PVC do you recommend for the best flow and least bubbles that will work for both of those tank sizes?

And what materials can I use for the walls? Can I use plexi instead of acrylic? What thickness would I need for this application of either of them?

Im still trying to figure out the chambers to make it wet/dry instead of having the bio media completely submerged (which would be a sump I've read. I also read a wet/dry is much better than a sump)
 
I could also go with a large Rubbermaid tub if I need a large reservoir. I just like the clear look honestly.

How about this for a functional but easy setup. A tank with a bucket in it, bucket has a tray for mech filtration held up on top of a bunch of ceramic rings and then holes in the bottom of the bucket with the bucket held up a few inches off the bottom of the tank so there is a reservoir of water. The pump just sucks out what comes out of the bottom of the bucket and puts it back in the tank? I saw a video of it

Still need to figure out pipe diameter for the overflow and in/out though.

Is there anyone out there who has done this or anything like it that can offer some insight. I'd hate to go in blind and waste money when the point of building it in the first place is because I can't afford to buy one
 
i bought a wet-dry by eshopps rated up to a 150 gallon included everything to get started besides the return pump. i only paid 250
 
Yeah I bought my whole tank and everything with it (gravel, heater, lights, cascade canister filter, and more) for less than $180 there's just no way I can afford that. I could save for it but even then if I can do this project then why save when I can spend less than $100 and have a custom built one lol
 
Ok I know for sure if I don't go the clear route I can pprobably build the whole thing for less than $30. Just need a large tub, 2 buckets, and the PVC (this is before bio media costs)

The only problem left is what diameter PVC to use and where I can find an affordable water pump with the right head rating that gives me around 500gph. I'm sure my 50g tank would be fine with about 300gph but this needs to be able to be adapted to a 75g setup
 
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