Lets talk sumps!
- Thread starter BadOleRoss
- Start date
I am going to do a little testing when it comes to the drip plate. I am thinking about making the holes intentionally small and then expanding the holes at the far end of the plate till it's close to right.
"I am going to do a little testing when it comes to the drip plate. I am thinking about making the holes intentionally small and then expanding the holes at the far end of the plate till it's close to right."
I'm not convinced thats necessary, for these reasons three...
1. Water flows to the place of least resistance but where it flows most it cloggs first.
2. Water flowing through each of the scrubbies doesn't need to be equal.
3. Unless you have huge holes compared to the flow rate...it wont help.
Of course I could be wrong in thinking that a reasonable spread of reasonable sized holes will work as reasonably well as any over thought configuration... but I don't think so
I'm not convinced thats necessary, for these reasons three...
1. Water flows to the place of least resistance but where it flows most it cloggs first.
2. Water flowing through each of the scrubbies doesn't need to be equal.
3. Unless you have huge holes compared to the flow rate...it wont help.
Of course I could be wrong in thinking that a reasonable spread of reasonable sized holes will work as reasonably well as any over thought configuration... but I don't think so
My main objective is to get the most out of the filter. If I have all of the water falling through the first 2/3rd of the filter plate, I have waisted the remaining 3rd. If I can drill holes of the correct size so I can get some water over all of the bio filter I will get better results. As far as clogging, I plan on running the water through filter socks and foam prior to it getting to the plate. With any luck, very little will get by that will clog up the plate. Roughly 20gpm is going to be running through each side of this sump. With that volume, I think I can make the holes of a size where all of the water does not pass through the plate.....some of it just rolls on by!
Well I think your design is exceptional and will work well whatever you decide.
What I mean with regards to the scrubbies is that even if 50% of the filter material is processing 90% of the flow its not detrimental to the effectiveness of the filter. IMO
As for the under used 50%...Low flow rates _assist_ in gasseous exchange, as I understand.
What I mean with regards to the scrubbies is that even if 50% of the filter material is processing 90% of the flow its not detrimental to the effectiveness of the filter. IMO
As for the under used 50%...Low flow rates _assist_ in gasseous exchange, as I understand.
As long as you get it to pool in the drip plate it will spread evenly itself. Start out with some small holes and let it run. Then keep drilling more and drill them bigger until you get it just right so it pools in the drip tray but doesn't overflow it.
Sirspifalot;3870232; said:
I agree. Dont drill too many/too big right off the bat. However, if you do drill too many holes, silicone is great for filling them. You can always upgrade to the powerhead idea (or use the Tee off your return line) if you're not getting the even distribution you wanted.
Just heard back from a dealer in NC and they have pond coat in stock so I may be going on a drive very shotly. I am also strongly thinking about going with 3 layers of foam of 30, 20 and 10 ppi instead of scrubbies.
JakeH;3875158; said:
I think in this application using Poret foam is a better decision and will give me better mecanical and biological filtration. Scrubbies would certianly be cheaper, I can set the whole sump up with scrubbies for about $160.00. The Poret foam is going to cost me over $200.00. Foam IMO is better for bio filtration. Having the water enter the sump through filter socks, rise in a chamber of whatever filter media I feel like using at the time and then fall through 3 layers of foam (10, 20 and 30ppi) seem like great filtration to me. Every 6mo or so I will have to remove the foam, clean them up a little, and put them back in. I know how water will travel through the foam, I have read that water falls straight through scrubbies and a lot of the surface area is waisted....that's enought to make me pay more for foam.
