has anybody has good/bad experiences with using pool filters with larger aquariums? the reason I'm asking is I'm thinking of making a larger tank(300+ gallons) and I don't want to make my own filter. here's one I found and kind of liked. http://www.swimmingpoolsetc.com/filterstar.htm
pool filter for tank?
- Thread starter pophead
- Start date
Pool filters do work.
Pro's: Good mechanical filtration
High tank turnover rate (10x on this one for a 300g tank)
Easy/quick W/C's
Can be located elsewhere
Con's: Frequent cartridge cleaning or replacement depending on bio-load
No biological filtration (by themselves)
High return water velocity
Noisy
Not designed for 24/7/365 operation (you could run them on a timer like a pool
system depending on the type of fish you have
More for 1000g + or multiple tank/pond setups.
There are smaller systems for small pools but you run into reliability factors with these (usually cheaply made).
All in all they can have their place, but a 300g tank may not be it. Consider some of the other large canister filters available.
Pro's: Good mechanical filtration
High tank turnover rate (10x on this one for a 300g tank)
Easy/quick W/C's
Can be located elsewhere
Con's: Frequent cartridge cleaning or replacement depending on bio-load
No biological filtration (by themselves)
High return water velocity
Noisy
Not designed for 24/7/365 operation (you could run them on a timer like a pool
system depending on the type of fish you have
More for 1000g + or multiple tank/pond setups.
There are smaller systems for small pools but you run into reliability factors with these (usually cheaply made).
All in all they can have their place, but a 300g tank may not be it. Consider some of the other large canister filters available.
k thanks.
maybe if I found one where I could change up the media, and put it in an insulated box(for noise control). still have to think about it running full time though. because they do appear to be slightly cheaper than canister filters, although if the pool filter wears out faster because of fulltime use, then I'd better go with an aquarium filter. I'm working on a tight budget.
maybe if I found one where I could change up the media, and put it in an insulated box(for noise control). still have to think about it running full time though. because they do appear to be slightly cheaper than canister filters, although if the pool filter wears out faster because of fulltime use, then I'd better go with an aquarium filter. I'm working on a tight budget.
Good information there Dr Joe!
I have been pondering this question as well pophead, there is not much information or articles on the web about it unfortunately.
If you have the space, i would go for a DIY wet/dry system.
It will work out cheaper (if you DIY), and be more efficient.
As Dr Joe said, pool/pond filters are for really big tanks/ponds really.
Also, such filters are no where near as effective with fish that have to have perfect water quality. Instead they suit fish like piranhas better, which consequently need more mechanical filtration due to their diet.
What's your stocking intentions? And instead of 300+ gallons, what rough gallon estimate are you looking at?
I have been pondering this question as well pophead, there is not much information or articles on the web about it unfortunately.
If you have the space, i would go for a DIY wet/dry system.
It will work out cheaper (if you DIY), and be more efficient.
As Dr Joe said, pool/pond filters are for really big tanks/ponds really.
Also, such filters are no where near as effective with fish that have to have perfect water quality. Instead they suit fish like piranhas better, which consequently need more mechanical filtration due to their diet.
What's your stocking intentions? And instead of 300+ gallons, what rough gallon estimate are you looking at?
I'll have to look into a wet/dry system.
the tank I'd LIKE to build would be 8' wide, 2' high, and 4' deep. so I guess that's more like 450 gallons, although I might go smaller(3' deep instead of 4'). I was hoping to get some silver arowanas and/or larger catfish. maybe a bicher or two(or more!
).
tank size mostly depends on the parents. lol
the tank I'd LIKE to build would be 8' wide, 2' high, and 4' deep. so I guess that's more like 450 gallons, although I might go smaller(3' deep instead of 4'). I was hoping to get some silver arowanas and/or larger catfish. maybe a bicher or two(or more!
).tank size mostly depends on the parents. lol
DIY Wet/Drys are definitely worth the effort.
However if you have a power cut, you could have problems.
Also, evaporation is a bigger issue with them.
Personally, anything over 500 gallons, i would say a pool/pond filter is a fair option.
Anything under that, and go wet/dry.
But definitely do tons of research before you jump into a decision.
However if you have a power cut, you could have problems.
Also, evaporation is a bigger issue with them.
Personally, anything over 500 gallons, i would say a pool/pond filter is a fair option.
Anything under that, and go wet/dry.
But definitely do tons of research before you jump into a decision.
yes I've done a lot of research, but I need to do a lot more. mostly with the filter, though. I'm sure this site has plenty of info.
I actually just came across a local add on the web, the guy is selling an 8'6" x 32" piece of glass(1/2"thick) for $100...
I actually just came across a local add on the web, the guy is selling an 8'6" x 32" piece of glass(1/2"thick) for $100...
Glass is a little thin. You could brace it in two places vertically but you'll get arguments on here. Check out commercial salvage yards in your area, the kind that gut buildings (banks & stores) sometimes you find good deals. Someone on here was talking to a friend and found out he had 4 monster pieces of glass they were going to thro out in a week...STILL IN THEIR SHIPPING CRATES! and the friend could deliver it!. I should be so lucky. So look and talk to people.
I forgot to mention, my 1.5hp pump cost $135.oo a month to run. SO you want to find a very efficient pump motor, and yes they are more expensive (we can't win).
If you have the room and are designing a DIY tank, if possible build a W/D filter into the stand. If your designing this, everything will fit without hoses and wires everywhere. Trying to make manufactured parts fit your space usually doesn't work well.
A W/D will give you everything you need in a filter system and you can control evaporation with lids (you could contain it with a closed loop system but you would need a condenser unit, better(cheaper) to exhaust/exchange the air).
Dr Joe
.
I forgot to mention, my 1.5hp pump cost $135.oo a month to run. SO you want to find a very efficient pump motor, and yes they are more expensive (we can't win).
If you have the room and are designing a DIY tank, if possible build a W/D filter into the stand. If your designing this, everything will fit without hoses and wires everywhere. Trying to make manufactured parts fit your space usually doesn't work well.
A W/D will give you everything you need in a filter system and you can control evaporation with lids (you could contain it with a closed loop system but you would need a condenser unit, better(cheaper) to exhaust/exchange the air).
Dr Joe
.
