Fluval 404 / 405 DIY micron & sponge filter modification (Gunner's F404 Supercart)

would there be a easier way to attach the pvc pipe to the impeller inlet instead of gluing it like something that could be removed to accomedate its stock config?
 
i the thread several times.. right now all i have in my canister is some live rocks and 1 thing of chemi pure elite its seems to be doing fine but with modifing it like the way you did
im sure it would do a whole lot better
 
would there be a easier way to attach the pvc pipe to the impeller inlet instead of gluing it like something that could be removed to accomedate its stock config?
The thread clearly shows the short piece of PVC is chemically welded (not glued) to the impeller cover plate (not the housing), so both the filter and the impeller plate ($7) can be removed /replaced to go back to stock config in seconds at any time, so I dont see an issue there.:)
 
what is the actual diameter of the filter cart?

I was also wondering, and its probably superfluous since what you have works, but if you had thought about possibly building one completely with PVC?
 
yes gunner i understand your point but im talking for the people that dont have two of the same 404's laying around do you think there would be some way to fab something up that kinda clips on sure it would make the initial mount a little higher but it would be like a piggyback onto the bottom of the impeller housing which would save some people money if they want to use this type of filter for awhile until the new line comes out and re-market the old filter with stock config there fore making the filter more counter productive and there fore giving you more options as to which the more experienced hobbiest like myself or a beginner can understand the layout more clearly and then eventually use the add on to further the productivity of the filter i think if you could develop this kind of attachment you could market it and patten it and maybe make adaptations for other filters int he fluval line up then boom you become rich off some wild idea/diy project that just kinda took off
 
If you prefer not to use a 404/405 which will support the length and width of the standard household large cartridge filters, then the next option would be to use the same plastic craft craft canvas shown in the thread to make a center strainer wrapped in poly-batten-wool so that you can craft it to any length or size you like. Plastic craft canvas sold in WalyMart for $3 per 6 sheets is used my many DIY fish keepers to craft all kinds of filter strainers. There are 3 things that are needed to be able to custom DIY as opposed to a set of plans. 1. The desire to create, 2. The patience to endure research, trial, and error, 3. Necessity. So you see the thread is designed not to provide a cookie cut modification plan for a specific filter although it does, but to provide the inspiration and ideas to modify something similar based on what you have available. In truth I cannot recommend this DIY mod for a Fluval 303 or 102 based on the 404, because I don't own one of those other filters to make it work and pass on the correct info. The information I provide on MODs are based on actual working models I have crated specifically for my equipment. Whether or not it will work for you depends on your desire to apply the fundamental basics of what I have done and apply those 3 rules to your situation. What I offer here is a template that works.
 
6" double ended threaded (gray) PVC pipe was cut in two and use for each end of the mating ritual (lol small pun). One threaded end 3" long to thread into a 1" piece of 3/4 ID corrugated tubing and the other end snugly slipped into the open end of the cartridge while plugging the other end with a custom cut 1/2" rubber plug (not viewed).

F404Supercart011.jpg

F404Supercart012.jpg

F404Supercart014.jpg

F404Supercart015.jpg

OK, the text in red is referring to the bottom of the canister cartridge itself (not Shown) which must obviously be plugged to prevent water bypass from the bottom of the open cart filter. To make it simple instead of a rubber plug as mentioned, I simply paced a piece of aluminum tape over the bottom opening of the donut size hole at the bottom of the cartridge. Without this plug water would simply bypass full flow from the bottom bypassing the filter elements. The gray PVC you see sliding into the cartridge only reached down 3/4 of the cartridge distance never reaching the bottom, so its the cartridge hole that is plugged shut, not the bottom of the short gray PVC pipe that is inserted.
 
6" double ended threaded (gray) PVC pipe was cut in two and use for each end of the mating ritual (lol small pun). One threaded end 3" long to thread into a 1" piece of 3/4 ID corrugated tubing and the other end snugly slipped into the open end of the cartridge while plugging the other end with a custom cut 1/2" rubber plug (not viewed).

F404Supercart011.jpg

F404Supercart012.jpg

F404Supercart014.jpg

F404Supercart015.jpg

OK, the text in red is referring to the bottom of the canister cartridge itself (not Shown) which must obviously be plugged to prevent water bypass from the bottom of the open cart filter. To make it simple instead of a rubber plug as mentioned, I simply paced a piece of aluminum tape over the bottom opening of the donut size hole at the bottom of the cartridge. Without this plug water would simply bypass full flow from the bottom bypassing the filter elements. The gray PVC you see sliding into the cartridge only reached down 1/2 of the cartridge distance never reaching the bottom as plainly shown in the photos, so its the cartridge hole that is plugged shut, not the bottom of the short gray PVC pipe that is inserted which has to be left open. :)
 
AquariaCentral.com