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View Full Version : Opinion in DIY external filter



patoloco
11-02-2005, 2:07 PM
I'm using a DIY filter like this for a 230 gallon tank. Want to hear your opinions.

It's built on a a 20 gl. waste basket, with a plastic drip plate from other container that fitted as good in the inside like that of a branded filter. Water passes to the bottom and sprinkles over a lot of biospheres, before it's sucked by the submerged pump toward the tank, at a rate of about 40 liters per minute (650 gl per hour).

Want to hear your opinion about any enhancement needed. Thanks.

This whole setup was built with a $100 pump, and about $20 in containers and biospheres.

http://wetpatoloco.tripod.com/250_gl/filter.jpg

This image shows no cover, but my filter is covered using the wastebasket lid with two holes for the tubing. Would you keep it coverred or open to the air. This filter is outside the house.

Jericho
11-02-2005, 2:54 PM
I would keep it covered, it will keep anything from getting inside of the filter. Are you using an overflow box to control how much water gets into the filter?

patoloco
11-02-2005, 6:27 PM
If there's a power shortage the can will hold all the overflow water but it get's filled to the very top.

The amount of water flowing is controlled by a ball valve located in the returning 1" tube wich restricts the pump. I'm planning to change the 20 gal bucket for a 50 gallon to allow more overflow capacity.