Please share your DIY filtration experiences + or -

[SHARK13]

I'm in the process of setting up an indoor pond, I'm doing all diy filtration. Bio filter, ect.

I will be using 2 48 gallon Rubbermaid trash barrels, first barrel will be biofilter with K1, 2nd will be heat exchange and return. My current plan is to set up a tote that gravity feeds the first barrel. This will be a prefilter box. I'm undecided if I will use filter socks or combination if several different filter pads. I need ideas for pre-filter setups, what have you guys found that works best? What doesn't work?

Also regarding biofilters, what have you personally found that works best for a drain in your biofilters that K1 media will not stick to. As of right now I'm planning on connecting the two barrels with 4" pvc to allow lots of flow with very little suction to cut down on the K1 getting trapped on a strainer. I just mainly need diy strainer ideas.

In alot of situations we try things because we think it's a great idea, but after sometime we tweak it or change it completely due to weaknesses we find. I wanted to create this thread as spot where we can share final or somewhat final designs. Pictures included would be awesome.

 

[SHARK13]

Anyone?

 

[millerkid519]

I would cut out the top of the trashcan lid to fit a small storage container for mechanical over top of the k1 and all D davenmandy and I did was used a 90° elbow so we could put a piece of pipe vertical in the chamber and cut slits in it with a circular saw that way we had a diy strainer

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Just an FYI, if your interested in 55 gallon plastic barrels, you can usually find them on Craigslist for $10-20 each. They will probably work a bit better than the trash cans.

 

[Niners4952]

I am running 3 55 gallon drums, 1st has 3 22" round matala pads for mechanical then #2 has K1 boiling and #3 is my return with heaters

 

[SHARK13]

I would cut out the top of the trash can lid to fit a small storage container for mechanical over top of the k1 and all D davenmandy and I did was used a 90° elbow so we could put a piece of pipe vertical in the chamber and cut slits in it with a circular saw that way we had a diy strainer

Thats pretty much what I'm planning on doing. I might even just go with 5 gallon bucket mounted on top and use filter socks, then just fall into bio barrel. Looks are not real important for this project, function is most important.

I thought about going that route for a strainer. You don't have any issues with the K1 sticking to the strainer? What size pipe are you using.

 

[SHARK13]

Just an FYI, if your interested in 55 gallon plastic barrels, you can usually find them on Craigslist for $10-20 each. They will probably work a bit better than the trash cans.

I looked for the last 3 months, none in my area, and wasn't driving 300 miles to get them. Trash cans are local, rugged and will work just fine. Lol

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I looked for the last 3 months, none in my area, and wasn't driving 300 miles to get them. Trash cans are local, rugged and will work just fine. Lol

Oh, bummer, they are all over the place down here in Dayton, OH. When I looked there were more sellers than I could count and I didn't have to go very far to pick a few up a $10 each.

You are right though, the trash cans will work just as well.

 

[markstrimaran]

My Diy 7" x 20" sump prefilter box.

 

[SHARK13]

Thanks for sharing.