DIY Canister Filter with possible fluidized bed filter

[cathos]

I am building a canister filter system from a bunch of parts I found lying around at my dad's and grandfather's houses. Earlier attempts are documented at http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400534.

The proposed direction of flow is tank > mech. canister > pump > fluidized bed canister > tank.

I found a whole-house water filter casing that I should be able to use for mechanical filtration (after replacing media with something more suited to an aquarium). The only problem with it so far is that it has been impossible to disassemble, as I cannot find the wrench that is meant to go with it. It is shown next to a nalgene for size comparison (about 2' by 5")

For mechanical filtration media, I plan to use a 10-micron filter sock filled with vent roof foam (highly porous sponge) and filter floss (quilt batting). (See the second image for the vent foam)

After exiting the mechanical filter, the water will be passed through a pump and into a fluidized bed filter made from a 2 ft. length of 4 in. sch. 40 pvc. I will probably use the 4'' > 2" angled T as an inlet and put a bulkhead in the top of the pipe with a screw-on cleanout cap.

For bio filtration media, I plan to use plastic pellets of about 3mm diameter. I am not sure whether to use sinking or floating pellets.

 

[justin guest]

I think the varying flow rates due to the varying state of cleanliness of the mech filter will make it difficult to keep a fluid bed filter working stabily. I would personally always dedicate a pump just for the fluidized bed filter for that reason.

j<><

 

[cathos]

I think the varying flow rates due to the varying state of cleanliness of the mech filter will make it difficult to keep a fluid bed filter working stabily. I would personally always dedicate a pump just for the fluidized bed filter for that reason.

j<><

I have a power head lying around that I could put on a line in the fbfilter.

I am worried about putting dirty water through the fludized bed, which is why I want to have it inline with the mechanical filter.

 

[cathos]

I could just fill the pvc with scrubbies... they fit nicely.

 

[justin guest]

Don't worry about dirty water in the fluid bed filter cause this type of filter is also used industrially as a slug eater. The powerhead should work ok as long as it has at least 3 foot of head pressure. Filling the PVC with scrubbies should work well

j<><