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View Full Version : 2ft tank as a filter?



Vip
06-22-2004, 10:45 AM
I got a spare 2ftx1ftx1ft tank at home that i want to turn into a filter for my 500g tank. All i need to know is about the pump and the setup about it. Has anyone ever done this or know any links about it? i will draw up a picture on how i want to do it and you guys tell me what you think.

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:03 AM
Tease me all you want about the pic but you guys get the idea

Now, see where the pump is? do i need one on the other side?? or just one on the other side? both?

Rudy
06-22-2004, 11:09 AM
http://users.rcn.com/reef101/diysump.html

If I were you I would use a drip plate andonly submerge the biomedia half way so you can get a wet dry effect. The biomedia in your diagram would serve limited purpose as it is not properly oxygenated as it is completely submersed.

As far as the tank goes 2 ft tank will not be a large enough sump for a 500 gallon. I would not go any less than 25% of your total tank volume, or you will be filling the water in the sump up so much it won't be worth it.

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:12 AM
Thanks rudy i needed that help :)

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:14 AM
im printing out that page and taking to the lfs

so really all i did there was draw up a large canister filter didnt i? what tank size should i get a 3footer

Rudy
06-22-2004, 11:18 AM
Depending on your stand for your 500 I would get something that fits under half the stand.

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:25 AM
ohhh, i dont have a stand, its going to be on like a slab, its a 1ft step you could say, does it matter if its not under it?

Rudy
06-22-2004, 11:32 AM
It shouldn't no, but I would suspect plumbing the sump to the overflows would be a bit of a chore. You have to watch that you don't slow the drains by to many angles. It is raised up though right?

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:34 AM
yes it is, about 1ft because its to heavy, its just like a step with the carpet going over it.

Rudy
06-22-2004, 11:37 AM
This is a glass enclosure?????

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:39 AM
nope, plexi, fibre? forgot the word. Its a turtle tank/lobster tank.

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:40 AM
its got plywood brackets on it witch i have to admit they suck :/

Rudy
06-22-2004, 11:42 AM
Better than carrying 500 gallons of glass. I was wondering how that was going to happen!

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:45 AM
lol! nah i dont think glass would hold 500 gallons of glass, i will post pics of it when i get a camera, but i know people are going to say its ugly but i don care i love it.

Vip
06-22-2004, 11:50 AM
my next question is what can i put in it lol, i need to know if most of m cichlids will be ok togeather, but thats still a while away.

Photorah
06-22-2004, 05:32 PM
If you diy filter should need in stead of spnges in one media slot use BIO balls to increse serface area of the filtration her is a example

http://www.aquaexcel.com/products/bio_balls.htm

abenez
06-26-2004, 09:24 AM
I would reccomend some sort of insulation between the tank and the floor - styrofoam would be fine.
You will loose a lot of heat to the concrete floor below it and your heater bills ... well, you get the picture...

Did you mention if something was under it? I didn't notice...


hey - post some pictures when you get a chance - I'd love to see this project in action! (and completion)

What do you plan to put in it when you're done?

Vip
07-16-2004, 11:38 AM
Wont belive it lol, i was looking in the paper for a cheap tank and i came across one for $100 complete with pumps and all! its got everything and it was running a 10x5x3 tank

mouse6196
12-07-2004, 09:00 PM
Here's what I did with a 40 gallon long tank. It's a sump, refugium, and filter all in one. I've attached pics.

mouse6196
12-07-2004, 09:01 PM
Here's another with it up and running. Right now the refugium area is packed with plants for filtration...and my fish can't eat them.