diy canister filter?

[baffle]

Has anyone here tried to make a diy canister filter, using a spare powerhead head or pump? I have an old phosphate reactor I might try,but i'm a little worried about back pressure and the pump overheating! thanks!

 

[underdog5004]

I've seen some around, just google "diy canister filter". There's only a few main components (inlet, filter media, pump, outlet), not too hard to make, but waterproofing is the real tough part. I'm thinking about making a trickle wet/dry filter...want to collaborate?

 

[baffle]

I have googled it. I plan on packing the phosphate reactor tightly with filter floss, and I worry the powerhead might overheat! I never liked trickle filters!Cost too much. Take up too much space. A sump with plants, sand, and rock, is the way I would go! (just my 2 cents)

 

[cabezon]

I am confused as to the difference between a trickle filter and a sump, as you are describing them.

as far as your question, I would not pack floss in too tight, it will work loosely packed. I leave some in between the output from the tank and the drip plate in my trickle/sump.

 

[baffle]

a sump is anything you want it to be! You can put rock and plants in it. plus a heater, pump, light, cartridge filter, hob, sponge filter, etc. You can isolate fish, or anything else.The phosphate reactor, that I am using as a canister filter has a 295 gph. pump on it, its worked wonders in only 3 days! I pack the floss tight for finer filtration. No problems so far

 

[mgamer20o0]

there are a lot of diy canisters out there. the easiest ones i have seen have just been a pump in the water that pumps it out to a container over head then it drains back into the tank. super simple the one used a water jug. making more a traditional one is a little harder since you have to seal it.

is this for sw?

 

[baffle]

No, fresh, But the phosphate reactor is designed for salt. the bottom is sealed and the top screws on. It seems ready made for this application!