Need help with Swirl Filter

[Bengalcats888]

Hi,

I will be trying to build a swirl filter in a 14Gallon tall water barrel(15” dia x 27”H).

I’m using 1” PVC for intake and 2” for out take.

My question is which is optimal layout?
As shown in the photos, #1 or #2?

Is the single or dual swirl head better?
The single one, more room in the middle for the
koi mat filter med

I plan to use Japanese koi mat where I can fit it in vertically and have gap between them.

This will be used indoors. What is a simple way of adding over flow so there is no painful mess later?

Thanks

 

[Rass]

I would think both would work well. If you did single outlet I would come off the end with a 45 degree angle so the flow follows the angle of the barrel more.

 

[Bengalcats888]

Thank you Rass. The single head is easier, less parts and more room for filter mat. I will use 45 deg. Elbow

For over flow, should I stick with 2”?

 

[Rass]

I've got a premade pond filter and it only pushes water one way from a single outlet, seems to swirl fine. If it's a gravity fed overflow type of outlet, then yeah I would go oversized compared to the inlet. Less likely to clog and build pressure inside the filter. It really depends on your flow rate, but if I'm understanding your setup correctly you really can't go too big on the outlet.