Fluidized sump size?

[glarior]

Working on installing a 300g setup for low active bottom dwelling sharks

I think fluidized bed filter is the way to go with my setup but I want it in my sump.

Is there a certain size I need to make the fluidized bed filter? I like the idea I saw on diy fishkeepers using the pressure to have the media mix around but not sure on how big or small I need to make this.

I am going to make the sump from acrylic then add an algae scrubber setup to take away the nitrates sicne I won't have lots of live rock.

Once I figure out how big the bed filter needs to be I will calculate the acrylic thickness and place my order for materials.

Any input would be great.

Thanks

 

[duanes]

Built this one, it is 8" in diameter, and about 4' tall, it flows into my barrel sump.

The media is aragonite sand, which helps buffer pH, the top is open, and as the aragonite is used up, I just pour in new aragonite.

 

[glarior]

What made you go with that size of filter?

 

[duanes]

I wanted a fluidized bed that could could handle at least 300 gallons, and the plans I found in FAMA mag, claimed it could. I don't remember the issue, because I built it in the late 80s or early 90s.
When it was first built, it had a top, and was under pressure, but I found it worked just as well with the top off, and was easier to do maintenance on open . The most important part is a union check valve, that prevents media from back siphoning into the influent tube if there is a power outage.

 

[glarior]

Wow, been running for a long time! Thank you for the information!