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  • #1

    diy trickle filter..

    I'm trying to build a wet/dry for my 135.  I've found various articles on how to do it.  My problem is the space available under my stand.  I have 12 1/2 inches of width, no more that 18 inches in height (to allow for plumbing) and approximately 5 1/2 feet of length to work with.  I just cant seem to find anything to use for a sump.  From everything I've read, I need approx. 1/3 of my tank volume for the sump.  Where am I going to find a 40g tank or container with those dimensions???  I could go with something smaller - I've considered a 20 long... but it seems to me - with less volume in the sump - it leaves less room for errors.  

    Any thoughts?
    Tags: diy, filter, wet dry
  • #2
    Re: diy trickle filter..

    I have a Pro/Clear 75 on my 75g tank.. its total volume is 9g total storage and its all I need.

    If you are going to build here is what I would do.
    I would first check and see if a std 29 gallon will fit... 30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 18 3/4
    Second.   I would ensure I make the bio-ball chamber be able to hold 250 bio balls (Pro/Clear 125 holds approx 230 bio balls)
    Build your sump and install.
    With those two things done.. you should be able to handle anything on your tank.
    When you fill your tank up fill up enough water into the tank until the water passes over the overflow and stop filling right then and there.  Wait until there is no water falling into the overflow and the sump stops filling up. (Here is where I made my mistake, I continued filling the tank until the sump was 50% full and then I turned on the pump.. dont).
    Now fill only enough water into the sump area that the exhaust into the tank can be started without bringing air to the pump.  Stop water flow into the sump.. Start your pump.  You should now be able to run with just enough water though the system that it will continue without problems.   Now FAIL the pump (ie cut power) and let the sump fill up until it no longer drains back.  Be ready to start the pump again and drain water out of your system if the sump cannot handle the water load.  IF you dont have to drain water from the sump then fill the sump up with 80% water while the pump is OFF -- you will now have the maximum in case of failure the water will not return more than this amount (reason you fail after having started the pump is because your exhaust line is what is going to bring you the most water back not your overflow.)
    Now start the pump again and the sump should now hold all the water and run correctly.  At this point go get a Sharpie Pen and draw on your sump the water line you are seeing now.   This waterline is your MAX fill point.  Ie when the pump is running and you need to top off your pumps compensating for evaporation.  This is where you want to fill until.

    When you do water changes you do almost the same thing, but now that you have the max line in your sump, as soon as your overflow brings water to the sump during your refill, you start your pump and make the system run.  Once running and all looks good... top the sump up to the preset water line.

    What fish do Jesper have
    180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
    110     Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
    58 S. Decorus
    "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

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    • #3
      Re: diy trickle filter..

      To get the most volume out of the minimal space you have I would look into a rubbermaid tub.

      I have seen this done multiple times and recently at fshfrk's place but what you do is get that big tub and then one of those small 3 drawer organizers.
      Fill each of the 3drawers with selected media.
      drill out top of drawer and add bulkhead and slip fitting for drain hose.
      Now the water passes through all three drawers and there is plenty of room besides it for your return pump as well as being able to handle a return siphon.
      700g Mini-Monster tank

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      • #4
        Re: diy trickle filter..

        Thanks for the step by step - i'll definately have this page up when I'm filling it     I do have a 29g tank - and it's just a hair to big to get into the stand. Once inside it would fit.. but I'd probably have to take the trim off it.  That may be the last resort.  I was hoping to find something along the lines of a rubbermaid tub - or a cheap used tank.  All the rubbermaid tubs I've seen were too big - at least from what i've found in the local walmart, target and home depot...  

        Did some more digging - if I can find one - I think a 30g long may be perfect...  

        cool idea w/ the 3 drawer organizer... I'm all over it!

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        • #5
          Re: diy trickle filter..

          why dont you drill a pair off those 20 longs and bulk head them together?
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          • #6
            Re: diy trickle filter..

            EK -- Damn now i am going to have to go ask fshfrk to post pictures and all.. that is a super cool idea... I love the plastic drawer thing.
            Man I am thinking next time I am not going to go out and get a wet dry.. I am just going to build my own... hehe

            What fish do Jesper have
            180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
            110             Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
            58 S. Decorus
            "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: diy trickle filter..

              Originally posted by fshfrk";p="
              why dont you drill a pair off those 20 longs and bulk head them together?
              hmm now theres an idea... That would probably work great.  I'm trying to stay on the cheap though.  $70 for the tanks new if I can't find used ones.  I'll definately keep it in mind if I decide to give up and start throwing cash at it

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              • #8
                Re: diy trickle filter..

                just use 1. a sq. 4 gal kitty litter bucket will catch the rim perfect and leave about 4" above the bottom of tank. drill holes in bucket with a 2" hole bit in bottom. stuff with nylon pot scrubbers. leave a couple inches space.cut out the bottom of another sq bucket, leave about a 1" lip. this is for drip tray drill a bunch of holes in it. put on top of scrubbers. lid should be hinged. put a bulk head in top. i make my own with 1" pvc & fittings. if you don't have a over flow box make your own modified W out of 1" pvc. i swear by that overflow.      John
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                • #9
                  Re: diy trickle filter..

                  pictures please?
                  Painting the world with drool and poop since 2007! ~ Papa Greg

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                  • #10
                    Re: diy trickle filter..

                    yes that sounds like a really cool wet/dry system. and extremely cheap compared to what they charge for them.
                    Never fear I is here
                    David Abeles
                    Vice President
                    Greater Houston Aquarium Club

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                    • #11
                      Re: diy trickle filter..

                      Yes no kidding.. We should ask FshFrk to bring a setup to a GHAC meeting so he can show and tell :)

                      What fish do Jesper have
                      180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
                      110                       Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
                      58 S. Decorus
                      "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: diy trickle filter..

                        i will do that.
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                        Trophs & Petros ONLY

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                        • #13
                          Re: diy trickle filter..

                          I won't be able to go to the show and tell, could you still post pictures?
                          A house without a puffer is not a Home.

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                          • #14
                            Re: diy trickle filter..

                            Originally posted by edmlfc";p="
                            I won't be able to go to the show and tell, could you still post pictures?
                            I will make sure that someone brings a camera to the next GHAC meeting, and as long as fshfrk allows us to post his pictures of his wet/dry I am sure this would not be a problem.

                            What fish do Jesper have
                            180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
                            110                             Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
                            58 S. Decorus
                            "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: diy trickle filter..

                              We could gather at fshfrk's place!

                              I know it would be a pita to bring along all the cool gear that fshfrk has and working away from your workstation sucks IME. Just a suggestion.
                              700g Mini-Monster tank

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