Project Idea... Suggestions wanted

[Dr. Cray]

Hey Everyone,

I had a wild hair, and I have decided I would like to build my first filter. I want to run it in a 30-40 gallon tank, or have it as a back up filter (I might make a couple). I got the idea of one being built with a plastic bottle, but for aesthetics I would like to use PVC. I have drawn and labeled my general plan, and I would love some input with the following questions. In the bottom of the drawing it says "PVC with slits cut" I plan on using my favorite tool, the dremel, to do this, and I have used a dremel to cut slits in PVC before to make "Test Chambers" for the knifefish in the lab at my university. It ends up looking like this http://www.lulusoso.com/upload/20110529/PVC_U_Slotted_Pipe.jpg I will fill that with foam and cap it, and that will be where water is drawn in from.

1) What type(s) of media should I fill my main chamber with.
2) What size, type, brand, etc... pump should I use for a tank that size?
3) How long and wide should the PVC pipes I use be? (I was thinking .5 inchs wide for the neck, and 2.5 wide inches for the main chamber)
4) Could I use white PVC, of should I use clear?
5) If I use white PVC, can I paint it? and with what type of paint?
6) How many holes do you recommend I put in the cap?
7) Should I use a glue or sealant on the ports for the suction cap and hose, and also where all of the pipes are connect?

Any other suggestions would be awesome! If you have a better filter system than can be made with PVC could you send me your plans

Thanks,
Cray

 

[Dr. Cray]

Cricket cricket...

 

[letstalkfish]

Hey Everyone,

I had a wild hair, and I have decided I would like to build my first filter. I want to run it in a 30-40 gallon tank, or have it as a back up filter (I might make a couple). I got the idea of one being built with a plastic bottle, but for aesthetics I would like to use PVC. I have drawn and labeled my general plan, and I would love some input with the following questions. In the bottom of the drawing it says "PVC with slits cut" I plan on using my favorite tool, the dremel, to do this, and I have used a dremel to cut slits in PVC before to make "Test Chambers" for the knifefish in the lab at my university. It ends up looking like this http://www.lulusoso.com/upload/20110529/PVC_U_Slotted_Pipe.jpg I will fill that with foam and cap it, and that will be where water is drawn in from.

1) What type(s) of media should I fill my main chamber with.
2) What size, type, brand, etc... pump should I use for a tank that size?
3) How long and wide should the PVC pipes I use be? (I was thinking .5 inchs wide for the neck, and 2.5 wide inches for the main chamber)
4) Could I use white PVC, of should I use clear?
5) If I use white PVC, can I paint it? and with what type of paint?
6) How many holes do you recommend I put in the cap?
7) Should I use a glue or sealant on the ports for the suction cap and hose, and also where all of the pipes are connect?

Any other suggestions would be awesome! If you have a better filter system than can be made with PVC could you send me your plans

Thanks,
Cray
View attachment 901917

I have never designed my own filter, but I was thinking of doing something similar. If you choose to use 2.5" pvc for the main chamber you will need bio media that will efficiently fill the space - for this reason, pot scrubbers and ceramic cylinders (typical bio media) are out of the question (unless you get creative.) While it is more expensive, Eheim's Substrat Pro is composed of tons of small porous glass spheres that would fill such a narrow space well. It is more expensive but a bag contains quite a bit, maybe enough for 2-3 of these filters.

As far as holes in the cap go, it is basically up to you. I am assuming water will be pumped up and out of the top, so the amount/size of holes at the top (so long as you have at least ~5,) will probably just change the size of the bubbles that will be released. Many suction cups attach via a sort of nub - like this one http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/pics/s/suction_cup.jpg . When you put it on the wall the 'filter' will pull down on it enough that it should be air tight, though some silicon to be thorough couldn't hurt. PVC is designed for plumbing type operations, so you shouldn't need to apply adhesive like silicone, but again it couldn't hurt. You can absolutely use white pvc. If you are running a tank with only this filter, I would probably make the main tube a little wider for some more media.

I can't recommend a pump, because I've never done anything like this. Sorry. As far as paint goes, I have heard Krylon and maybe Rustoleum spray paint are ok.

 

[Dr. Cray]

I have never designed my own filter, but I was thinking of doing something similar. If you choose to use 2.5" pvc for the main chamber you will need bio media that will efficiently fill the space - for this reason, pot scrubbers and ceramic cylinders (typical bio media) are out of the question (unless you get creative.) While it is more expensive, Eheim's Substrat Pro is composed of tons of small porous glass spheres that would fill such a narrow space well. It is more expensive but a bag contains quite a bit, maybe enough for 2-3 of these filters.

As far as holes in the cap go, it is basically up to you. I am assuming water will be pumped up and out of the top, so the amount/size of holes at the top (so long as you have at least ~5,) will probably just change the size of the bubbles that will be released. Many suction cups attach via a sort of nub - like this one http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/pics/s/suction_cup.jpg . When you put it on the wall the 'filter' will pull down on it enough that it should be air tight, though some silicon to be thorough couldn't hurt. PVC is designed for plumbing type operations, so you shouldn't need to apply adhesive like silicone, but again it couldn't hurt. You can absolutely use white pvc. If you are running a tank with only this filter, I would probably make the main tube a little wider for some more media.

I can't recommend a pump, because I've never done anything like this. Sorry. As far as paint goes, I have heard Krylon and maybe Rustoleum spray paint are ok.

Thanks Mate! Finally some input. I have a few weeks off starting next tuesday, and I think I might start this project! I will post pictures.

 

[letstalkfish]

Cool, I'm excited to see how it goes. Maybe I'll try it as well after finals this week.