Homemade filter w/ U.V. and pics

[Lrry93]

I needed a filter for my 300 gal. stock tanks so I went to the store and could not believe the prices they were charging for a bioball filter or a jap mat setup. I decided to give building one a try. It took 2 hours and the whole thing cost me $3.99 only because everything else was setting around the house but the container I used. I plan on upgrading the spray bar to 3/4 but it is flowing well as is. The U.V. is a 9 watt Turbo twist.
Let me know what you think!

 

[jcardona1]

looks good! but doesnt the UV light typically go AFTER the filter? i know this is the case with koi ponds...

 

[Dr Joe]

Yes, or atleast pre-filter it.

Nice job, what is the flow rate?

Thanks for sharing too.

Dr Joe

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[N3wB]

nice mr larry

 

[ghengis]

looks good! but doesnt the UV light typically go AFTER the filter? i know this is the case with koi ponds...

That would destroy all benificial bacteria coming travelling in the water from the filter... I think? Good question, though and one I've often wondered about...

 

[CHOMPERS]

The job of the filter is to house the BB. The BB needs a surface to cling on to. What is in the water collumn is very minor so losing it in the UV does not matter.

 

[West1]

The job of the filter is to house the BB. The BB needs a surface to cling on to. quote]

Sorry, I got a lil lost here. So is the UV not suppos to go after the canister?

Nice DIY set up

 

[CHOMPERS]

That's the traditional placement. Since their functions are independent, it doesn't really matter which is first.

 

[West1]

That's the traditional placement. Since their functions are independent, it doesn't really matter which is first.

Thanks, I got a lil worried

Lrry93...What is in the 300gl? Is this the sump your ganna stick too?

 

[jcardona1]

If youre relying on BB in the water, then youre severly under filtered. Every article ive ever read recommends placing the UV light AFTER the filter, and this is why:

By placing your Clarifier after the filter, you will remove debris that will otherwise make penetration of UVC light difficult, further more in my experience this will greatly reduce the amount of sludge buildup inside your Sterilizer/Clarifier, I will also note that the gimmicky wipers do not help much with problem. The reason some pond keepers recommend placing the filter after the UV Sterilizer is to trap algae that often clumps after passing through your clarifier, so as I noted this suggestion is not without merit.