Undergravel water movement

[Derpeder]

I am building a system to push water from underneath my substrate. I have started building it but I thought I'd throw together a quick sketchup to ask some questions. (i'm not the most talented sketch up dude but I think you'll get the point.)

So the white tubes are 1/2 inch PVC and at the corners they will lead up to two power heads. Those are the black boxes.

Question. Do you think I can just drill holes in the PVC so the water just flows out? Should I drill holes on the bottom of the PVC so my substrate can't fall inside?
Is there something I can glue to the PVC so that water can get out but my substrate cannot fall in?

Substrate is a real fine gravel. Not quite sand but real small stuff. There is no threat of flooding becasue its just going to be two powerheads in the tank pushing the water around.

I remember seeing a thread like this but could not find it in my searches.

Thanks PEEPS

 

[Ric Foster]

Have you considered using a reverse under gravel filter? with the power heads pushing water under your gravel.

 

[Derpeder]

Have you considered using a reverse under gravel filter? with the power heads pushing water under your gravel.

No.......do you have a picture of one or a link I can check out?

Although its not really meant to filter.... I have to HOB filters and will be running a 30 gallon sump (tank is 150)

Its mainly to have water flowing everywhere in the tank and be hidden well.

 

[Wolf3101]

I agree with the reverse flow UGF idea. You'll have a lot less problems in the long run by not reinventing the wheel... so to speak. The plates are shorter than 1/2" in most cases so you would have slightly more room in the tank.

 

[AJordan]

if the water will be flowing out of the pipes I would be less concerned with substrate getting inside the tubes but screen around/over may do the trick...

 

[Derpeder]

I agree with the reverse flow UGF idea. You'll have a lot less problems in the long run by not reinventing the wheel... so to speak. The plates are shorter than 1/2" in most cases so you would have slightly more room in the tank.

Do you have a link or info on where I can check one out?

my substrate will cover the pvc completely so I'm not worried about the room in the tank... I also don't have a ton of dolla bills to spend extra and my system will only cost about $6.

 

[Derpeder]

if the water will be flowing out of the pipes I would be less concerned with substrate getting inside the tubes but screen around/over may do the trick...

Yeah.....LOL thats funny I never even though of screens although that would be a lot of work.

I'm only worried about sustrate getting inside if say the power goes out or I turn off the Powerheads. I just wouldn't want them to eventually clog up.

 

[arl]

Here's one link on UGJ. You can also search Undergravel Jets.

http://www.fmueller.com/home/aquaristic/240g/technology/filtration/

 

[arl]

I think key to undergravel jets is to have the nozzles tight by squeezing them after burning the pipes so as to create enough jet to push the dirt upwards. There's also a minimum GPH that each outlet/hole should have to be effective, just can't remember the number.

 

[Derpeder]

Here's one link on UGJ. You can also search Undergravel Jets.

http://www.fmueller.com/home/aquaristic/240g/technology/filtration/

Cool thanks for that link arl. That is what I want to build. Good info on that site.