Arapaima Gigas

Zoodiver

As seen on TV
MFK Member
Aug 22, 2005
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I like AquaClear hang on back, they're so easy to use......

Seriously though, it's all LARGE sand filters for the most part. Some have at least one smaller carbon filter. Alot use ozone to some extent. Most will have some type of large biotower (or waterfall) as well. For mechanical filters, I like Neptune Benson stuff, but that's just me. Systems are powered by anything from 15hp to 50hp pumps.
 

johnptc

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Apr 6, 2005
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i did a double take on the hang on models lol


thanks for the info........i heard that sand filters needs to be flushed often !! but i guess on a MONSTER the amount of water used is in significant !!

thanks


Zoodiver;629730; said:
I like AquaClear hang on back, they're so easy to use......

Seriously though, it's all LARGE sand filters for the most part. Some have at least one smaller carbon filter. Alot use ozone to some extent. Most will have some type of large biotower (or waterfall) as well. For mechanical filters, I like Neptune Benson stuff, but that's just me. Systems are powered by anything from 15hp to 50hp pumps.
 

Zoodiver

As seen on TV
MFK Member
Aug 22, 2005
6,872
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1,005
South FL
There are two ways to approach it. the basic idea is get as much media surface area as possible, while still being able to fluidize the media 100% during a backwash (running water backwards thru the filter, but out to a drain instead of into the tank). The idea is that as the water goes from top to bottom, the debris you are filtering out is stacking at the top. After awhile, the junk prevents water from flowing into and out of the filter. So it's time to clean it. Some like to use tank water to backwash - which gives you a water change at the same time. Others like to have an outside water source (like city water) to backwash with. This means you aren't wasting your cycled non chlorine tank water to clean your filter. I like to do both. It allows more frequent filter cleaning without dumping large amounts out of the tank. But when it does come time for a water change, it's easy.

Some of the 'old school' sand filters are or domed. They offer great surface area and fluidize very quickly, making cleaning easier.

As far as how often you backwash, it really depends on bio-load. This is one reason why I always over size my filters and pumps. It just makes it easier to work with down the line. We've got some systems now that need major backwashing every other day. If they don't get done, the pressure builds so high that the seams leak.
 

johnptc

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Apr 6, 2005
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thanks for the added info.........

To prevent leaking seems you could use by pass based on pressure.....i am going to try this on my filter..........1.5 diameter is store bought from aqutic eco .....i would guess your would be on a different scale !!!!








Zoodiver;630565; said:
There are two ways to approach it. the basic idea is get as much media surface area as possible, while still being able to fluidize the media 100% during a backwash (running water backwards thru the filter, but out to a drain instead of into the tank). The idea is that as the water goes from top to bottom, the debris you are filtering out is stacking at the top. After awhile, the junk prevents water from flowing into and out of the filter. So it's time to clean it. Some like to use tank water to backwash - which gives you a water change at the same time. Others like to have an outside water source (like city water) to backwash with. This means you aren't wasting your cycled non chlorine tank water to clean your filter. I like to do both. It allows more frequent filter cleaning without dumping large amounts out of the tank. But when it does come time for a water change, it's easy.

Some of the 'old school' sand filters are or domed. They offer great surface area and fluidize very quickly, making cleaning easier.

As far as how often you backwash, it really depends on bio-load. This is one reason why I always over size my filters and pumps. It just makes it easier to work with down the line. We've got some systems now that need major backwashing every other day. If they don't get done, the pressure builds so high that the seams leak.
 

Zoodiver

As seen on TV
MFK Member
Aug 22, 2005
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South FL
Size is only relative to the amount of water you move. I've seen 2" line used on HUGE systems that I never would have guessed would move enough water. Of course, on the other hand, I still love the 60" main return line from Georgia's whale shark tank.
 

Zoodiver

As seen on TV
MFK Member
Aug 22, 2005
6,872
43
1,005
South FL
It's coming FAST. I'm filling my quarantine and clearing it out as fast as I can. I have a line on an arapaima down South to pick up. I'm working on permitting to transport it in prohibited and restricted states on the way home to MN.
 

johnptc

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Apr 6, 2005
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SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN.A FEW PICS WOULD BE GREAT !!!!:popcorn: :popcorn:


Zoodiver;642541; said:
It's coming FAST. I'm filling my quarantine and clearing it out as fast as I can. I have a line on an arapaima down South to pick up. I'm working on permitting to transport it in prohibited and restricted states on the way home to MN.
 
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