fluidized sand bed filter

[wheatgerm]

I just built a FSBF, its about 6 ft tall and holds about 15-20 pounds worth of sand. It was very easy to make and only cost about 30$. Why isn't there more of these being used in filters today? Everything I read states they are about the best bio filtration to have

 

[cockroach]

Very cool. I use a much smaller one on my tank. What is yours connected to?

 

[kendragon]

I see smaller ones in saltwater tanks all the time. Even that monster truck can't hide that FSBF. How's the pH?

 

[wheatgerm]

I haven't set it up on the tank yet im flushing out the silica sand and will hook it up after my pump on my return line. Im very surprised that it actually takes very little flow to get this 20 pounds of sand rolling.. does anyone know how to figure if this will be enough bio for a 500 gallon tank loaded with pbass? If I figured it right I should have enough for about 900the gallons or more but id like a second opinion

 

[wheatgerm]

Ph is around 7.8 to 8.2

 

[boldtogether]

I haven't set it up on the tank yet im flushing out the silica sand and will hook it up after my pump on my return line. Im very surprised that it actually takes very little flow to get this 20 pounds of sand rolling.. does anyone know how to figure if this will be enough bio for a 500 gallon tank loaded with pbass? If I figured it right I should have enough for about 900the gallons or more but id like a second opinion

That monster is MORE than adequate for a 500g. Wow, go big or... go back to the beach to return some of its sand!!!! Just kidding. I want to build one as well. Just a wee bit smaller.
The commercial units rated for 900g are only like 36" and use like 10lbs of sand, and I think that is were it is most important, the sand. It has to be the right "gauge" if you know what I mean. To fine, wont move, to coarse, diminished surface area.
Looks like it will work though, good job.

 

[wheatgerm]

Thanks! I plan on running this with a big pump so that's why I built it so big... there is "only" about 32 inches of sand the rest is just because I wanted plenty of room for the sand to roll and try to get the most gph out of the rig. But answer this, is there such a thing is TOO much bio? Haha

 

[twilight zone]

I have seen the commercial ones in the store before. They have a replaceable base because overtime the sand will wear the bottom out. It will take a while but it will happen eventually. I'm debating about building one for my next tank or maybe add live plant filtration. Here good things about using anubias in the sump as natural filtration. The plants will require lighting and the fluidized bed filter will require a pump. Both will cost but which is better is the question.

 

[wheatgerm]

I already have plants in my sump also. And the tank is already ran by a pump haha if you go with the house vine plants they don't need much extra lighting and if you clip a lint enough vine you can run it out into the room where it will get better lighting

 

[boldtogether]

Thanks! I plan on running this with a big pump so that's why I built it so big... there is "only" about 32 inches of sand the rest is just because I wanted plenty of room for the sand to roll and try to get the most gph out of the rig. But answer this, is there such a thing is TOO much bio? Haha

I do believe that one can never have to much bio as long as nitrate is kept manageable. I think the bio adjusts to the food available however. The bacteria only consume and reproduce as nutrient supply dictates. But again, one can't have to much media....it just spreads out the bacteria community.
You got my creative juices going...I have the supplies right now in the garage for a FSB...!!!