help me improve my basic schematic for w/d filter

[JioFreed~alias~]

I'm fairly new to the fish keeping scene(at least properly keeping fish) so I know I don't know enough.

From what I do know this is close to basic w/d filter design but I'm sure it could use lots of improvements some of yall have already seen this but I'm formally asking how to improve its functionality as well as anything it might be missing.

schematic:
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2346/wetdrymf5.jpg

 

[btmachone]

Make sure you have an easy way to get to that carbon so you can change it. I wouldn't want to always have to pull everything out to get to it.

 

[Pharaoh]

Looks good. You can take the carbon out altogether if you like. The only thing carbon is generally used for is to remove chemicals from the water. It isn't necessary to have it in there at all times.

 

[JioFreed~alias~]

Would carbon help keep nitrate and trites down?
does it help remove copper and other heavy metals?
ammonia?

It could always be an empty shelf when not needed or added when the tank might need it like say fish start getting sick. doing a large water change.

PS I figured I would cut a door into it upon the suggestion of easier access of course the door would be locking and water tight.

 

[wizardslovak]

i would remove carbon completely and fill it up with bio media
otherwise looks good

 

[Dr Joe]

Switch the inlet & outlet pipe sizes, gravity feed inlet needs to be the large one.

Do you have any problems with your tap water that you would need the carbon?

It will help with heavy metal and some ammonia, but you still have to dechlor the water for the tank.

The carbon will have to be changed out every 2 weeks.

Re-think the door idea, unless your skilled with tools and have some very good ones at your disposal, it will never seal reliably.

What size is this going to be and what's it going to filter?

Dr Joe

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