k1 kaldness Micro vs Regular K1 and capacity?

[Arkangel77]

I am planing to make a small DIY K1 reactor for an In tank Application.

I have gotten to the point that I have only decided the chamber itself will be either a Tube or an Octagon.
It will be 7.5-8" across and be about 16" tall - because I feel this is what I can fit / wont look ignorant inside the tank.

Given that size reactor I think I will need about 2 gallons / 7.6 liters of K1 media.

Here i where My questions come in,
* Any thought on what sized air pump I would need to run something like this? I assumed a Large double outlet whisper would be good - BUT I have no Idea?
* Also K1 media 10mm X 7mm (.39in X .28in) VS K1 Micro 6mm X 7mm (.24in X .28in) - I assume I should go with Micro for maximum efficiency?
* Lastly - any thoughts on what Kinda Bio Load a filter this size with that amount of media could handle once its cycled?

Thanks in advance for the help!
Arkangel77
Cory C

 

[aseldon]

Having just completed my DIY external K1 filter and finished dialing it in I have the following advice.

Don't assume the pumps from the pet store will pump enough air. You are aiming for around 8 liters of K1 which needs around 8 liters per minute of air. I don't believe any of the standard air pumps will accomplish that. Shop on Amazon/eBay and buy the right sized one the first time.

You should fill that chamber up 60-70% of the way with K1. I haven't done the math but make sure the 2 gallons is enough.

K1 micro has been great for me. I have a mix of the legit stuff and knockoff from eBay and they both work about the same. I have more than enough air though so YMMV.

Good luck and don't forget to post pictures!

 

[Arkangel77]

Thanks for the Tip on the Air Pump, I will look it up. I am actually gona make a cardboard mock up for size and what not to help me figure out whats what. Thanks again

 

[rodger]

If you go to the Aqua Evolution website, you can find how much waste per liter it will process based on total grams of feed you use.