Help With First DIY Filter

[charles-n-charge]

i have a 200 gallon tank which already has the correct ammount of filtration, but id like to add even more becuase of its future bio-load.

ive desided on building my own filter but have no expirience at all with DIY filters.

the tools i have at my disposal are:

a 1200 gph pump
about 30' of 1.5-2" PVC
a ten gallon tank
3 10"x3.5' sheets of glass

what else do i need?

whats the simplest and cheapest way to build a filter with these items?

and, is there anyone out there who is willing to take the time to walk me through this step by step to ensure i dont flood the house or anything and build a successful DIY filter?

 

[ruddybop]

At the top of this DIY forum are 4 posts with instructions and info for diy overflows. A 10g sump for a 200 Gallon tank in my opinion is to small. At least a 30 gallon or bigger is needed. Read all the info on the overflows for a better understanding on how they work. I made 2 overflows (experimenting) until I came up with a design I liked..... .... I have a 20g sump on my 220 Tank and when the electricity shuts off my 20g sump fills to almost the top. I have a 30g tank i am working on to upgrade the 20g sump... ....


[YT]wHrpG8jG0Uk[/YT]

 

[charles-n-charge]

http://s1132.photobucket.com/albums...4/?action=view&current=tengallonsumpplan1.jpg

would something like this work?

my main concern is will it put in more water than it takes out or will it not put in as much as it takes out. how do you guys keep it equal?

 

[ruddybop]

When you make your overflow and your sump/pump... You install a ball valve on the output and input so you can adjust each one.... If the pump is pumping to fast close the valve so you don't overflow your tank....If the overflow is pumping to fast you turn down the ball valve to match the water pump...It's an experiment you have to play with it until you find the right combination...

 

[ruddybop]

And yes the sump diagram you have will work....but not with a 10G tank sump with a 200g Aquarium....sump needs to be bigger... .... at least 30g sump.... with your tank...

 

[Paulbearer]

The only issue I would see is the carbon...you will have to empty the entire bio chamber to replace them...that will be some work. Just a thought to maybe put the sponge in the chamber after the bioballs on the right and the carbon where you now have the sponge filter. This will make it easier to replace it and the sponge, maybe put your heater under the bio-balls.

Just trying to give ideals, because i'm working on a 55 sump myself right now

 

[charles-n-charge]

ive built the sump and water tested each chamber. only one leek, already fixed it. on thursday ill be making the overflow and return and testing it outside with a plastic tub (the tank).

ive also desided that if it doesnt work along-side the other filter on my 200 gallon that ill use this new wet/dry system ive created on my 55 gallon.

does anyone think that a 10g sump and 1200gph pump is too much for a 55 gallon tank?