howcome bead filters arent more prevalent?

[cvermeulen]

I did some reading about bead filters today, and basically my conclusion is they are the ****. The koi/pond hobby uses them very heavily, so I don't understand howcome there aren't more DIY attempts at building them. The prefab ones for 10000gal ponds are horrendously expensive, but the concept is so simple it seems to me a pretty basic set of DIY skills could get you going with one in no time.

Anyone running a DIY floating bead filter? I'm considering building one. Only thing I can see that sucks is that a cubic foot of beads is like $150... but a cubic foot of beads will filter a disgusting bioload.

 

[vanilla__gorilla__]

if you look hard enough you can find some diy bead filters using 50g barrels and you can use craft beads there much cheaper

 

[Dr Joe]

I've designed several for clients and have two more in the works.

They aren't feasible for small systems since they need moderately high flow rates (10gpm) but work better at higher flow rates, high pressure (50psi in some) and don't filter less than 10 microns.

Usually a blower is used to inject air to mix up and clean the beads.

For koi they're aimed at heavily stocked ponds, or production levels.

You can convert a sand filter to bead too. http://www.angelsonly.com/Koi%20filter.htm

http://home.netcom.com/~larry_l/diy_bead.htm

Keep us posted on your progress,

Dr Joe

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[hillbilly]

If you want a bead filter, get yourself an Ocean Clear 354. I have 2 of them running on different tanks. Around $150 with the media. You'll have to buy a pressure rated pump extra though. They're great!

 

[johnptc]

If you want a bead filter, get yourself an Ocean Clear 354. I have 2 of them running on different tanks. Around $150 with the media. You'll have to buy a pressure rated pump extra though. They're great!

i think he wants mechanical bead not bio bead ?? see http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4709/cid/1320

 

[hillbilly]

i think he wants mechanical bead not bio bead ?? see http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4709/cid/1320

Yeah, basically the same, only the Ocean Clears are much smaller, and fit under aquarium cabinets. They do mech. and bio, with 7 lbs. of plastic beads, and discharge backflush water thru a hose valve at the bottom.

 

[johnptc]

Yeah, basically the same, only the Ocean Clears are much smaller, and fit under aquarium cabinets. They do mech. and bio, with 7 lbs. of plastic beads, and discharge backflush water thru a hose valve at the bottom.

thanks for the update..thought they were bio only

 

[Dr Joe]

Ocean Clear 354 Poly Bead Mech & Bio Filter


[FONT=arial, helvetica]This is a biological filter that can be used as a stand alone model or with a filtration system. It is recommended to be installed after a mechanical filter such as the Ocean Clear 340 or 325. Use pumps with 500 to 1200 gph flow rate.

Confusing...It's a standalone but a mechanical filter is recommended...???

Dr Joe

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[/FONT]

 

[hillbilly]

Ocean Clear 354 Poly Bead Mech & Bio Filter


[FONT=arial, helvetica]This is a biological filter that can be used as a stand alone model or with a filtration system. It is recommended to be installed after a mechanical filter such as the Ocean Clear 340 or 325. Use pumps with 500 to 1200 gph flow rate.

Confusing...It's a standalone but a mechanical filter is recommended...???

Dr Joe


Well, that's likely because "Red Sea" wants to also sell you one of their Ocean Clear cartridge filters. I run 2 of the 354s. One on a 75gal., the other on a 125gal. You really don't need any other filter unless the tank is very large.

 

[Wolf3101]

I love the ocean clears...although johns right the beads are used as a bio-componant.