Proto-Type 5 Gallon Canister Filter - Aquarium Advice

Sparky · 05-31-2004, 10:49 PM

Well I have tested the canister filter. Using a 5 gallon bucket. So far I am convinced that this will work very good. I am going to build the one for my tank this week and should have it in place by the week's end. I will be testing this one through-out the week so as to make sure there is no trouble with leaking. So far so good. No leaks, even when I shut off the pump. Once it is primed you never need to prime it again until you open it for service.

Here are a couple pics of the proto-type.

Bearfan · 05-31-2004, 10:50 PM

How much was the pump?

flipz · 05-31-2004, 11:46 PM

So is the bucket filled with sand like a pool filter or...? Sorry, all I've ever had is a [acronym:ea3fa9ef67="Hang On Back"]HOB[/acronym:ea3fa9ef67] filter.

-brent

bound_for_obx · 05-31-2004, 11:49 PM

Brilliant! Can you provide us with a "cut-away view" (drawing) so we can see the inner workings?

Sparky · 06-01-2004, 01:11 AM

OK.. first off, there is just water in the bucket. I wanted to test to make sure that the water would flow correctly. Also the when I shut off the pump that the pressure would not cause any leaks. Both have tested good.

Quote:

How much was the pump?

The pump I got for 75.00. They sell tham at Grainger. 600 [acronym:5fae8c9830="Gallons per hour"]gph[/acronym:5fae8c9830].

The plan is to put eggcrate 5 inches from the bottom of the bucket, and then to layer the filter media on top of that including charcoal. The canister will be filled completely with water the whole time and the pump will draw the water through the filter and back to the tank.

As I build the one that will go on my tank I will take pictures and post them with step by step instructions including a material list. Here are a couple more pictures of the test setup.

BillyZ · 06-01-2004, 09:58 AM

Excellent concept sparky! You figure on putting eggcrate, then media on top of that. What type of media are you considering? the cotton filter media and carbon or some of the other ceramic, etc types of media? I think you might want to consider some sort of nylon screening on top of the eggcrate to keep any small particles of media/carbon from falling through and into your pump (damaging the impellers) and then getting into the tank. You could probably accomplish this easily by getting a small scrap piece of plastic door screen and superglue it to the top of the eggcrate.

Sparky · 06-01-2004, 10:26 AM

Quote:

I think you might want to consider some sort of nylon screening on top of the eggcrate to keep any small particles of media/carbon from falling through and into your pump (damaging the impellers) and then getting into the tank.

I was thinking of using 100 Micron filter media at that point. This should keep any of the carbon out of the pump. I was also thinking of "bagging" the carbon to keep it together.

I am up for any suggestions as to what filter media would be best. If this works out like I think it will, it will save alot of money for some people. AAnd make it easier for others to "afford" a canister filter. I can see this thing being used for all kiinds of filtering options based on the media you intend to use.

I will be off to [acronym:26fee8d8fb="Home Depot"]HD[/acronym:26fee8d8fb] today to buy my piping. I am going to hard pipe the one I am going to use. But the hose will work fine for those that don't want to spend the extra money on piping.

Mike

Bearfan · 06-02-2004, 12:06 AM

I'm intrigued, and that says something. Good work!

Sparky · 06-02-2004, 12:34 AM

Quote:

AAnd make

Hey Bearfan, you missed one. Sleepin on the job again. You know that will get you fired...[acronym:9df49d92e5="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:9df49d92e5]

Bearfan · 06-02-2004, 09:25 AM

Actually caught that, and figured you were tributing AA in all of your life by substituting it in at the beginning of the word "and"