Mechanical filtration for DIY filter

[Niisan9178]

I was lucking enough to get a 100 gallon for $55 on craig's list, however I don't have a filter for it. I've created some DIY filters with some amount of success. Previously I've used a combination of filter socks and felt for the mechanical filtration but always had to semi-frequently change out the felt.
During a shopping trip to Wal-Mart I saw coffee filters, and had the thought of using those instead of felt. Once again this was just a passing thought, and I wanted some one else's opinion on this.

It seems stupid, but I can't think of any reason that it wouldn't work, but I don't drink coffee and don't know if there is anything in the filter that would be potentially toxic to the fish.

(completely expecting this to get shot down)

 

[DragonKeeper]

They should be ok for filtration as they are ok for human consumption. I would think that they would get clogged really fast though. You might be changing them faster than the floss.

Keeper

 

[Dr Joe]

Congrats on the tank

If your looking for a filter that doesn't need to be changed or cleaned the hobby you want is 'pet rocks'

The more the filter needs to be cleaned or changed, the better it is working.

Felt is usually reserved for polishing the water so if you don't have enough pre-filtering the felt will clog frequently.

On to the coffee filters. Been there done this.

These filters are designed for a drip system and have a very slow flow rate even under pressure (and they deteriorate quickly then) and your back to changing them very frequently.

Get a couple of filters from the teacher's lounge, cafeteria, neighbor, or friend and try running some tank water thru it (get a strainer and place the filter in it and time how long it takes to filter a quart thru it and do the math).

You could construct several small add-on filters for the tank and flow them all from one small pump http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45303 using a manifold (I did this for a bunch of breeder tanks once and for a bunch of Beta tanks).

Every little bit helps

Dr Joe

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[aquatic_wonders]

Congrats on the new tank I was also lucky a couple of months ago to get a 100 gallon long tank at CL it came with some power heads cabinet stand a Fluval 404 for $75 anyway good luck in finding your filter...cheers.

 

[Niisan9178]

Well currently I have a rubbermaid DIY filter set up that seems to be doing a good job. Do any of you have any recommendations for additional mechanical filtration? Right now I'm having to change out the felt about every week to two weeks. I have no issues with simply cleaning the felt, so I may just do that.

 

[Dr Joe]

"Right now I'm having to change out the felt about every week to two weeks."



I thought you were doing it daily! Every week or to is normal (actually great).

You could use a filter sock (easiest retrofit) on the filter inlet, but it will still have to be cleaned every week.

Got any pix?

Dr Joe

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[Niisan9178]

Ah, well I have pictures for you Dr. Joe as requested.

My 100 Gallon deal that my wife said I could have as long as I kept it in my room (where no one with any sense of self preservation would go).

The filter that originally was on my 30 gallon, but with a smaller pump:

I believe that this setup has been referred to as the reverse w/d. Water pumped from the tank enters the filter, first going through a filter sock, then the wall of felt that is supported by my wife's (missing) noodle strainer. The strainer is supported by a large tupperware lid (also MIA from the kitchen) with numerous holes drilled in it serving as an effective drip plate. Under the plate I have two boxes of BioBalls and another drip plate. The rubbermaid has a hole cut in the side, and the water returns to the tank from there.
Inside shot of the filter:

 

[Dr Joe]

Good work, nice pix thanks.

I trust your DW doesn't read this .

Dr Joe

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