This was a pretty simple project. I used a Rio 1700 submersible pump (since its only being used to move water around the tank Im not really worried about Rio reliablity). Anyway, the Rio comes with a 3/4" threaded attachment which I connected to a 3/4" threaded to 1/2" slip fit elbow. This elbow connects to another elbow which feeds the 1/2" lines for the jets. The jets are attached to the undergravel plumbing using 45 deg elbows, and each jet was made by heating up a short piece of PVC with a heat gun and pinching one end with a pair of pliers. I found that I needed to pinch the jets closer to the pump closed more to get an even flow from all the jets. I orignaly got this idea from http://www.vatoelvis.com/ in the articles section. It should be a good way to keep debris off the bottom of the tank. http://www.vatoelvis.com/ specifies 3 jets per pump, I used 5 jets which means that the total pressure out of each jet will be less but how much force does it take to lift a piece of fish crap? I could see if I had a shark or something. Anyway, if I find that the pressure isnt great enough, I can always stack a second pump on top of the 1st and feed it into the same plumbing or just get a bigger pump.
Built an Under Gravel Jet system
- Thread starter Luca Brazzi
- Start date
Luca
I pretty much did the same thing. I used the concept from www.vatoelvis.com but instead of using the Rio pump and PVC - I used a fully submersible Maxi-Jet 1200 - and some clear vinyl tubing and some plastic connectors / nozzles I found dirt cheap at my local hardware store. It seems to create some nice flow / circulation on the bottom of the tank. My tank is still cylcing - so I have yet to see how the fish will react - but its nice to see some plants "swaying in the breeze" - LOL
I pretty much did the same thing. I used the concept from www.vatoelvis.com but instead of using the Rio pump and PVC - I used a fully submersible Maxi-Jet 1200 - and some clear vinyl tubing and some plastic connectors / nozzles I found dirt cheap at my local hardware store. It seems to create some nice flow / circulation on the bottom of the tank. My tank is still cylcing - so I have yet to see how the fish will react - but its nice to see some plants "swaying in the breeze" - LOL
Whats the GPH on the pump? How many jets did you use? Is the flow for each jet adjustable? How far up do your jets shoot if they were not submersed? I angled my jets to push the water around the tank kind of creating a whirlpool effect. Im hoping that any doodoo will be swept around to be caught by the overflow. I also plan on using a bubblewand along the back of the tank to create an upward flow there. Did you Aquascape before you did the jets or did you do the jet system and the aquascaping together?
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Luca - I believe the GPH on the MaxiJet is 295 gph. I used 3 jets but did not make the flow on each one adjustable. The vinyl tubing and jets are fully submersed under my gravel - with just the tip of the jets sticking out. Hard to say how far they shoot up - I didn't really measure it.
I too laid out my jets - but in a fashion to drive water / detris from right to left (because on the left side, I have a built in overflow to my filter - so I wanted all the gunk headed that way.
I also created a fake rock wall (out of styrofoam, sand, and epoxy) - and put a bubblewand behind a crevice to create upward flow. I basically installed my system and aquascaped at the same time
I too laid out my jets - but in a fashion to drive water / detris from right to left (because on the left side, I have a built in overflow to my filter - so I wanted all the gunk headed that way.
I also created a fake rock wall (out of styrofoam, sand, and epoxy) - and put a bubblewand behind a crevice to create upward flow. I basically installed my system and aquascaped at the same time
Matak...
It is neither. Its not a filter.
Its basically like a fish Jacuzzi. There is a pump, connected to PVC pipe that is hidden under the gravel. There are several outlets to the PVC where there are "jets" (basically the jets are pinched PVC pipes), that shoot water upwards creating an upward current which keeps debris off the substrate.
It is neither. Its not a filter.
Its basically like a fish Jacuzzi. There is a pump, connected to PVC pipe that is hidden under the gravel. There are several outlets to the PVC where there are "jets" (basically the jets are pinched PVC pipes), that shoot water upwards creating an upward current which keeps debris off the substrate.
karfixer
I haven't taken photo's yet - but plan to do so as soon as I have some free time. When I do, I will post them.
Not sure if you are asking about pics of my water movement tubes / etc - or my fake rock wall. If its water movement - continue on. If its the rock wall - I hopefully will get some up here by the end of the week.
On the water movement, you can get a good idea of the concept by reading this article and checking out these pics (which is what inspired me and Luca both to do this)
http://www.vatoelvis.com/Movement.html
The section near the end of the article - and the last 4 pics are what you want. This site, like Luca used PVC and a Rio pump. The biggest difference for me was I used a fully submersed (hidden behind driftwood) Maxi-Jet 1200 Powerhead - and clear flexable tubing - with plastic connections. I Initially planned to use the PVC - but upon getting it home, didn't like how large it was and was worried about my gravel covering it - and eventually becoming uncovered. So I decided to take the pvc back to Home Depot and go with the flex tubing (same stuff that you would use outside the tank if connecting a pump from a sump or cannister back to your tank). This has worked quite well for me.
I haven't taken photo's yet - but plan to do so as soon as I have some free time. When I do, I will post them.
Not sure if you are asking about pics of my water movement tubes / etc - or my fake rock wall. If its water movement - continue on. If its the rock wall - I hopefully will get some up here by the end of the week.
On the water movement, you can get a good idea of the concept by reading this article and checking out these pics (which is what inspired me and Luca both to do this)
http://www.vatoelvis.com/Movement.html
The section near the end of the article - and the last 4 pics are what you want. This site, like Luca used PVC and a Rio pump. The biggest difference for me was I used a fully submersed (hidden behind driftwood) Maxi-Jet 1200 Powerhead - and clear flexable tubing - with plastic connections. I Initially planned to use the PVC - but upon getting it home, didn't like how large it was and was worried about my gravel covering it - and eventually becoming uncovered. So I decided to take the pvc back to Home Depot and go with the flex tubing (same stuff that you would use outside the tank if connecting a pump from a sump or cannister back to your tank). This has worked quite well for me.
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Well, I suppose if I had actually read the article I would have better understood.
It looks to be very functional. I have a planted tank and water circulation is a tricky subject. You want to circulate enough to get rid of dead spots, but not so much that you disturb the water surface and therefore lose valuable CO2. This looks like a good and cost effective (read cheap) solution.
It looks to be very functional. I have a planted tank and water circulation is a tricky subject. You want to circulate enough to get rid of dead spots, but not so much that you disturb the water surface and therefore lose valuable CO2. This looks like a good and cost effective (read cheap) solution.
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superstein61,
You mentioned that you were concerned that your substrate might not cover the PVC. What sized PVC were you using? Im using 1/2".
You mentioned that you were concerned that your substrate might not cover the PVC. What sized PVC were you using? Im using 1/2".