would this work?

[blue_pill85]

So Im gonna build me a tank here in the near future.so would it work like on the old fluidized bed filters, run some pvc pipe under gravel vis-a-vis the lines on a football field,with holes drilled in it plumbed into a drain valve to help get rid of the P.I.T.A. that is gravel vacuuming. if that made any sense to anyone that would be great.

yes, my picture is excellently descriptive, I am an arteeeest

 

[Dr Joe]

How big?

Do you mean an under gravel filter?

FBF's use 8"-16" of sand to filter with, not much room left for fish...

Any reason you don't want to use a W/D system?

Dr Joe

.

 

[blue_pill85]

Ill run a similar set up to demon_fish, but i just mean for ater changes is it logical to put pip with holes under gravel on a drain valve in stead of like python hosing it.

 

[basslover34]

don't quit your day job Arteeeeest! LOL Kidding... How far apart do you think those cross pipes would have to be to get the job done?

 

[Dr Joe]

Ill run a similar set up to demon_fish, but i just mean for ater changes is it logical to put pip with holes under gravel on a drain valve in stead of like python hosing it.

Got a link?

and Huh?

 

[SWINGRRRR]

I think what he is saying is a grid under the gravel with holes in the PVC to drain water.

I think it will just suck solids further down in the substrate. Plus how are you going to keep the substrate from clogging it up? I think it’s a great idea, but not practically feasible.

 

[schaadrak]

If you mean to use this to pull debris from your gravel as it drains then you'll have to put the pipes really close together. Even then you'll have a hard time getting all of it out. And if one clogs, how do you clean it without having to tear down the tank.

You could use the same design in reverse, though, and make some under gravel jets. That way stuff doesn't get a chance to accumulate on the substrate as much. You'll still have to vacuum, just not as much.

 

[Ric Foster]

I think your idea will work nicely if you meet a few conditions.

1. put the holes in your pipes on the side instead of facing up.
2. lay egg crate over top of pipes
3. use substrate large enough to not fall thru egg crate

This is basically an under gravel filter with a drainage system.

Have you thought of using an under gravel filter with a grid of drainage pipes?
You will probable still have to stir the gravel while draining water, but it should work.

legal disclaimer:
These are the thoughts and opinions of the author and are to in no way be considered the last word on the subject.