DIY Filtration Suggestions

[darkdep]

I'm planning the filtration for my new 90gal tank.  I know I want the following:  about 1000gph turnover rate, and nothing hanging on the back of the tank (I want the tank near a wall, and I hate the look of HOT filters).  

I'm not completely happy with anything commercial; so I started thinking about possibly assembling something myself.  I'm thinking of some kind of DIY cannister design, utilizing a water pump, PVC, and some kind of media container (possibly a custom Acrylic box or something similar).  I'd put in several layers of foam/floss for mechanical and a whackload of biomedia.

Ideally I'd either have two seperate units for safety (in case one fails) or one unit with multiple intakes (so the suction from one tube   isn't too strong.  I'd use a straight output for circulation.

So many of you guys are experts...can you tell me if I should just stop thinking this way and go with commercial offerings?  I don't know why, but I just cannot find anything I'm happy with.

[dannypd]

Sounds like an AWESOME undertaking to me!!

I'd not worry about the "tubing size", just as long as it is a bit large going IN then what is needed for the pump.  Also, pump should be IN the canister (for safety from flooding).

A powerhead pump should suffice, but most pond pumps could be hacked to get the job done.

If the container is AIRTIGHT and PRESSURISED (1-2 meters is heavy for water, no matter the quantity, its the height), you are done!  The water will pump out of the tank (once primed) and go into the canister...it gets pressurised and water returns to the tank!

[darkdep]

After much more thinking about this, I'm pretty much convinced to do it.  I've found several pumps I'm happy with; both with good cost and the proper amount of throughput.

The tubes in and out of the tank should be a simple matter of PVC pipe, elbows, holes drilled in the right place, and some PVC cement (Is there anything I should be concerned about here, I wonder?  Is there an "Aquarium Friendly" cement?  Probably a stupid question X=) )

As for the box, I've read several DIY designs that make me think Acrylic would be an ideal material.  I'm a woodworker, so have all the tools I'd need for this.  Does anyone know of a dealer in Ottawa that sells Acrylic sheets?

I think your suggestion for putting the pump IN the container is a good one.  That would definetly take care of one worry X=)  It would probably be just below the tank in the cabinet (so, maybe between 4-5 feet of head).

I'm planning for thie tank setup to be as DIY as possible.   Stand, Canopy, lighting, filtration, etc.  

I'll post details about the filtration design as it comes together, in case it may interest others.

[dannypd]

After much more thinking about this, I'm pretty much convinced to do it.  I've found several pumps I'm happy with; both with good cost and the proper amount of throughput.

The tubes in and out of the tank should be a simple matter of PVC pipe, elbows, holes drilled in the right place, and some PVC cement (Is there anything I should be concerned about here, I wonder?  Is there an "Aquarium Friendly" cement?  Probably a stupid question X=) )

As for the box, I've read several DIY designs that make me think Acrylic would be an ideal material.  I'm a woodworker, so have all the tools I'd need for this.  Does anyone know of a dealer in Ottawa that sells Acrylic sheets?

I think your suggestion for putting the pump IN the container is a good one.  That would definetly take care of one worry X=)  It would probably be just below the tank in the cabinet (so, maybe between 4-5 feet of head).

I'm planning for thie tank setup to be as DIY as possible.   Stand, Canopy, lighting, filtration, etc.  

I'll post details about the filtration design as it comes together, in case it may interest others.

I'd recommend flexible piping...

Also, the pump being in the canister AND being AIRTIGHT and pressurized, there should be no worries about head..just friction in the pipes.

[gvv]

Soory, just my own opinion...
If you are planning to do a filter yourself - DYI - it could be easier to make a sump. Noworries about herimitization and you can use either flexible or not piping.
Regards

[darkdep]

Sorry, Herimitization?  wazzat?  A sump is another idea, but most sump designs I see are all about increasing water volume and providing things like a refugium, which I'm not really interested in.

I guess I was hoping to produce a sealed unit.  Although I haven't figured out how I'd seal up a box but make it easy to open for maintenance yet...

[gvv]

Sorry, Herimitization?  wazzat?  A sump is another idea, but most sump designs I see are all about increasing water volume and providing things like a refugium, which I'm not really interested in.

I guess I was hoping to produce a sealed unit.  Although I haven't figured out how I'd seal up a box but make it easy to open for maintenance yet...

OK I meaned sealed. If you will find a solution please let me know...

[dannypd]

A sump can run the risk of leaking, flooding, etc.

A sealed unit will not lose water...and you notice leaking MUCH sooner then a leaking sump

[gvv]

A sump can run the risk of leaking, flooding, etc.

A sealed unit will not lose water...and you notice leaking MUCH sooner then a leaking sump

Sorry, it could leak if you will no pay attention to the design, but if you will think about the implemetation beforehand nothing will leak. At least I had no problems for 2 years now And no problems how to seal the unit! Now I have 550 GPH in my 55G Malawi tank and the water is crystal clear and all my fish is happy.