A local LFS uses a 20 micron filter with a 1000GPH pump. It seems a bit much for me so I am going to try something in between around 500-600GPH. it really depends on your substrate and how much you want the filter to suck.
Idea for a Powered Gravel Vacuum
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Nice idea. What micron size is your sediment cartridge? What size pump do you use? What is your flow rate?
Thanks,
Cartridges come from walmart and are 20/30 micron rust/sediment, the cost $8 for a pair here. Rinse after use and they seem to last forever.
The pump is a ViaAqua 2300 that specs out at 600gph. at 0 head. Before this, I had a CA1800, with pretty similar specs.
Only a guess as to flow with filter and hose, 400-500gph neighborhood.
Good luck on your build.
Thanks,
Cartridges come from walmart and are 20/30 micron rust/sediment, the cost $8 for a pair here. Rinse after use and they seem to last forever.
The pump is a ViaAqua 2300 that specs out at 600gph. at 0 head. Before this, I had a CA1800, with pretty similar specs.
Only a guess as to flow with filter and hose, 400-500gph neighborhood.
Good luck on your build.
Just as a side note.
If you really want to get as much crud out of your tank during cleanings, building a powered vac system is a must. Multiple tanks is even better.
The ability to use the filtered return water as a broom, sweeping crud out of décor and picking it up with the intake is the real joy.
First few times I used it, I spent an hour getting gunk loose from all it`s hiding places. Places you just couldn`t get to without pulling all the décor out.
Not having to watch the water level, just paying attention to cleaning.
Nitrate creep kept getting easier to control with weekly water changes.
Before, I was doing twice a week.
After using this system for a while, you will wonder why would anyone not use this.
With careful shopping you can put this together for $60-70 and it will be the best money you spent on your tank.
Some will never see how this beats their Pythons, or other vac systems..
Oh well is all I can say.
You either get it or not.
If you really want to get as much crud out of your tank during cleanings, building a powered vac system is a must. Multiple tanks is even better.
The ability to use the filtered return water as a broom, sweeping crud out of décor and picking it up with the intake is the real joy.
First few times I used it, I spent an hour getting gunk loose from all it`s hiding places. Places you just couldn`t get to without pulling all the décor out.
Not having to watch the water level, just paying attention to cleaning.
Nitrate creep kept getting easier to control with weekly water changes.
Before, I was doing twice a week.
After using this system for a while, you will wonder why would anyone not use this.
With careful shopping you can put this together for $60-70 and it will be the best money you spent on your tank.
Some will never see how this beats their Pythons, or other vac systems..
Oh well is all I can say.
You either get it or not.
KaiserSousay;4063492; said:
Thank you for the very helpful information. What did you use for a vacuum "wand"? What did you use on the return side?
KaiserSousay;4063517; said:
As I see it you can not only clean with a power vac, but you could also use it to simplify water changes. With some valves you can pump the water out of the tank, and then pump water into the tank. It could even double as a water pistol.
What did you use for a vacuum "wand"? What did you use on the return side?
3/4 in. PVC pipe for the "wand/vac" and the same for the return.
Mine are about 12 in long for an intake and 22 long for the return.
It could even double as a water pistol.
Hmmmm..I could use that when the wife busts my chops over the tank.
I only use this as a vac. I`m lucky to have a bathroom close to the tank, so I drain into the tub and fill from the sink. Hose has pipe cut to the level of water I remove, on it`s end so I can start the siphon and not worry about it draining too much.
Garden hose, a bit of pipe, and a fitting for the faucet to hook up the hose for filling is my water change gear.
3/4 in. PVC pipe for the "wand/vac" and the same for the return.
Mine are about 12 in long for an intake and 22 long for the return.
It could even double as a water pistol.
Hmmmm..I could use that when the wife busts my chops over the tank.
I only use this as a vac. I`m lucky to have a bathroom close to the tank, so I drain into the tub and fill from the sink. Hose has pipe cut to the level of water I remove, on it`s end so I can start the siphon and not worry about it draining too much.
Garden hose, a bit of pipe, and a fitting for the faucet to hook up the hose for filling is my water change gear.
