In need of design ideas for a big filter tube...

[Racersk]

Some searching in the DIY overflow this idea struck me...

But instead of a T to a siphon break, I could attach the overflow to the big tubes side filling the lower portion. This would hold a steady sump level that would be the height of the tank, that is about 10-12" deep when set in the filter tubes location, from there I can have my internal pump pushing water towards the top of the tube and over my media, but I'm stuck on the return to the tank...

The filter tube will be sitting about midline of the tank I'm filtering and will be standing about 1.5' above the tank rim. I'm not to sure how I could compartmentize the tube, other than PVC stands holding up egg crate, nothing sealed though. I could add another container someplace, but getting water to it might be an issue. Running out of money...no $$$ for another pump.

Another thought would be to lower the tube, but I would have to modify the cabinet next to the tanks, doable but not preferred...

 

[Racersk]

Started hunting and gathering at Home Depot last night. Along with an earlier days purchase of a 750gph pond pump for this tube filter, the air powered filters work, but the water is murky...

Pictures to follow, but here's a quick drawing of my creation.

 

[Racersk]

Waiting for the glue to dry...

It's done...At least for now.

Here is what transpired...I searched and absorbed all the information that MFK had to offer and of coarse it worked!

This is what I ended up with....

What I have is a 1.5" overflow(TOOK 3 DAYS TO UNDERSTAND THE mfk CONCEPT), 3/4" up pipe off a 750GPH pump with a flow control. simple dump it into the tank output, and a 2.5: input into the drain...

Filter floss on top with 'bonded filter pad' under it, with plastic shipping strap material in the bottom for bio, I'll eventually go with some lava rock too, but I ran out of money.

Total $$ out is $70 for the pump, and $30 for the piping and fittings.. and like $2 for the filter 'stages'...

Let all know how it works, once I can start it. Waiting for the glue to dry.

 

[Cookie*]

Excellent to see it up and just about to run, I'm excited for you. I love the way it looks too, it is killer. It looks like it's gonna be loud, I'm sure we'll see. Great work man, I'll be watching to see how it goes once the plumbing is dry.

 

[Egon]

Looks great!

 

[jeffers]

any clue where they originally got the tubes at? i have been looking for these for a while for wanting to make a bioball tower.

 

[Racersk]

Just turned it on and it works great! no leaks and it isn't any louder than my canister filters return is in the lower tank. I have it turned way down right now, because of the tube inside the tank sets the water levela bit high, but with the valve I installed on the output, this is a snap!

I have the output flowing over 2 acrbon/amonia removing bags, into polyfill/bonded filter media, this leaks down to the bio'floss' shipping strapping, then into the sump where the pump sits on its strainer...The pump is the loudest part of the system...

Where it comes from is ???, no clue. But if there is interest, I'll get the bottomless one and give out some details on how to get it...

Where should I post this once I have my hands on it? As this ]^[onster build is now done...Until I make the spraybar for it another day that is...

 

[Racersk]

Update @ 2 weeks

Up and running great!

I finish plumbed in the spray bar, and redid the intake as well. So far the only casualty is the one loach that didn't last the night,was drawn into ~1/4" of drain water suction and went into my catch filter bag and I found it in the morning. I just bought it so I wasn't that attached yet...Also entirely possible that it died due to the stresses of getting him home... I'll never know.

Here's some eye candy...

Lights in garage on>

Tank lights on

Spray bar and intake to 'sump'

Underwater view of the overflow

Utility side- with blue tubing as the siphon initial start and to see if air is in the lines. Flow control valve as well as the top of the vent side.

Catch bag and phosphate pad on top of polyfill, and the black shipping straps below that. I will be getting lava rock for a last stage, maybe a few around the pumps intake cage?

And a shot of the pump...

And happy fishies!

 

[Cookie*]

Looks sharp Racersk. Everything looks clean and your water looks crisp. I'm assuming the water parameters have been steady at near 0? I enjoyed seeing this come together for you. I've been keeping my eyes pealed on Craigslist (and garbage heaps lol)for a similar odd object to make a filter or tank out of.

 

[Racersk]

Thanks Cookie!

Yeah, I use the simple test strips and ammonia pro kit and ~20ppm Nitrates is all I am seeing, other than the 6.2-6.8ph, but I need to do a water change today...I see this with all my tanks that the PH drops if the water is 'stale'.

Too bad your back east, I could trade you the other bottomless tube that I know I could have for some of my other indulgences...Like the name BTW.