New Experiment - Drip system + wall filter

[dannypd]

I normally dont post my "experiments" until they have been concluded and working, but what the heck.

This is based on a combination of things I've seen around, mostly other experiments and such, but combined.

This will be based on a "drip" system, there will not be a lot of flow.  This will try to match the natural "filtration" process.  My goal will end up taking an entire wall (in my case, hidden within a closet).  My goal is to be able to make this water "drinkable" (I will not recommend this, and will not even try it, but WILL test it with a kit!!)

I will post more later...

Here's a cheasy mspaint preview:

[dannypd]

The plants will be planted VERTICALLY!

Small error in the representation.

Here's a picture from: http://www.uoguelph.ca/atguelph/04-11-10/featuresair.shtml

[dannypd]

...and ofcourse, I will NOT be making this four stories in height!!

[PuddingTime]

...and ofcourse, I will NOT be making this four stories in height!!

Slacker  :wink:

[Julie]

Should prove to be interesting.  Keep us up to date.

[Mettle]

That's pretty interesting. Are you going to muddy up the water a bit or something before sending it through? Or are you going to simple use tap water? Perhaps old fish water?

[PuddingTime]

This is my opinion just for discussion purposes.  I am not trying to poo poo on your experiment but...

I think that having clay as the last filter will not be such a good idea.  Since it will take way longer for the water to make it through the clay than any of your other media it will create a bottle neck in your system  The fine sand will fill up with water then mud will fill up with water making your home smell like a swamp (you might like that smell I don't know ).  You can of course decrease the flow to match the output of the clay but I think the plants would respire water faster than what would be dripped in.  Perhaps another layer of sand or carbon even to replace the clay.  Also I think the mud portion of your filter might be a great breeding ground for bacteria that you probably would not want to ingest not to mention smell.

[dannypd]

This is my opinion just for discussion purposes.  I am not trying to poo poo on your experiment but...

I think that having clay as the last filter will not be such a good idea.  Since it will take way longer for the water to make it through the clay than any of your other media it will create a bottle neck in your system  The fine sand will fill up with water then mud will fill up with water making your home smell like a swamp (you might like that smell I don't know ).  You can of course decrease the flow to match the output of the clay but I think the plants would respire water faster than what would be dripped in.  Perhaps another layer of sand or carbon even to replace the clay.

Well, if you look at my cheesy picture, I did put:  "smelly" in there.

Also, the clay is VERY VERY important, and naturally, it takes a LONG time to filter water.  It is a DRIP system.  There will be an overflow or mist spray for the planted section.  If not, and the plants die and the mud becomes "dry", the bacteria (smelly), die off.

Because of the low flow, I'm actually going to store this setup in my shed and feed water from my aquarium via airline tubing, and return via airline tubing once again.  The "mud" section will still be placed vertically to allow gravity to do its work, and the plants will be next to a glass window for maximum sun exposure.

Also I think the mud portion of your filter might be a great breeding ground for bacteria that you probably would not want to ingest not to mention smell

The bacteria is a VERY important factor in removing other bacteria/waste from the water.  The clay MUST be used to stop the flow of the mud and bacteria.

In the real world, swamps provide our filtration, with a layer of clay under it.  (dig a few feet in your backyard, or, if you live on an old swamp, dig 5-6 feet...)
[/b]

[PuddingTime]

I just dont think the water will be able to "flow" through the clay it will proboably just sit on top like you said a smelly swamp

[gvv]

I just dont think the water will be able to "flow" through the clay it will proboably just sit on top like you said a smelly swamp

:lol:

[dannypd]

I just dont think the water will be able to "flow" through the clay it will proboably just sit on top like you said a smelly swamp

:lol:

It'll work, clay isn't water proof...

Remember:  "DRIP SYSTEM".

I see some people running a drip system via their water line and drain just as much.  However, my goal is to have a closed loop system...except me, I'll still live off city water and grocery food

[PuddingTime]

You will have to change you name to Shrek.

[dannypd]

You will have to change you name to Shrek.

funny....well well!

---

Experiment #11.3 -- SUCCESS
Water DOES flow through my clay.  It's 3 inches thick, about 10 drips or so per minute.   I may do several layers of 2-3 inches thick of clay, with PEAT-BOG in between..

11.1 and 11.2 were failures, but they were just for the fun of it...however, smell is NOT, I repeat, NOT AN ISSUE.

The bacterial effect in the mud is airtight.  The only airsupply within is coming from the plants.  

Worse comes to worse, I may remove the mud and do a peat-bog setup, supported by a chicken netting wire-mesh...