i'm pretty sure the toxicity issues can be fixed with a long cure time nolapete. like 2 weeks or more.
DIY fluidized bed filter Build
- Thread starter fishkeepermedic
- Start date
So here is some updates on my build.
All parts are in Sillicone is holding well and strong. All thats left on construction is adding sand and top then plumbing it all for the test run. Ill take pictures of the test maybe even a video
All parts are in Sillicone is holding well and strong. All thats left on construction is adding sand and top then plumbing it all for the test run. Ill take pictures of the test maybe even a video
opcorn:
i have bought several Red Sea's Merlin fluidized sand filter acrylic chambers off ebay for far less than i could have even attempted to make them. I think I paid 15.00 for each one brand new and they came complete with all connectors/tubing and sand. If yours doesnt work out keep a eye on ebay these pop up for sale on a pretty often basis.
what happened??????? where did the pic and vids go? did it fall apart or is it running strong? did it kill your fish? wtf
My experience with a Pentair Lifegard fluidized bed filter
I just (Feb 2010) bought a FB300 - Pentair/Lifegard's Fluidized bed filter. While I believe that this is the most volume efficient bio-filtration system, I think one may have to DIY it to get it right.
This item ($60 @ petco), while well designed had some manufacturing issues - the top was not properly sealed inside so I could not use the top inlet port and achieve fluidization. I used the bottom port and achieved good fluidization - a thing of beauty. The manufacturer was very responsive, and promised to send me a replacement from their newer stock that they claim has been more robustly manufactured (I shall report when I get it)
Back to fishkeepermedic's build: You may have to build some screen/baffle type barriers at the bottom near the inlet to insure distribution of the water flow so that the entire sand column is fluidized even at the base. Once the water flow is a few inches up you will have no problem. Lifegard has only one patented part in their FBF - that is the distribution screen at the base!
Additionally, you need precise flow control on the device, since small variations in the flow can dramatically impact the fluidization level.
I just (Feb 2010) bought a FB300 - Pentair/Lifegard's Fluidized bed filter. While I believe that this is the most volume efficient bio-filtration system, I think one may have to DIY it to get it right.
This item ($60 @ petco), while well designed had some manufacturing issues - the top was not properly sealed inside so I could not use the top inlet port and achieve fluidization. I used the bottom port and achieved good fluidization - a thing of beauty. The manufacturer was very responsive, and promised to send me a replacement from their newer stock that they claim has been more robustly manufactured (I shall report when I get it)
Back to fishkeepermedic's build: You may have to build some screen/baffle type barriers at the bottom near the inlet to insure distribution of the water flow so that the entire sand column is fluidized even at the base. Once the water flow is a few inches up you will have no problem. Lifegard has only one patented part in their FBF - that is the distribution screen at the base!
Additionally, you need precise flow control on the device, since small variations in the flow can dramatically impact the fluidization level.
Well i did a test before i took pictures and has a couple of small leaks and need to get different valve for flow control. Lifes been busy so it will be a while before i post any new pics
mellowvision
Seafood Lover
I agree with everyone who's suggested you seal it with methylene chloride. it's the right way to do it. And, I would think the silicone II would defeat the biofilter, as it's anti-mildew agents are said to prohibit the growth of beneficial bacteria. If you're going to go to so much effort, why start off at a disadvantage?
