Author Topic: Trickle Filter / Sump project  (Read 31313 times)

Offline JeffroM

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Trickle Filter / Sump project
« on: February 02, 2012, 01:22:06 PM »
In the next few weeks (months or possibly years) I plan on building a couple Trickle filters to be placed in a sump.  The design I've come up with will be based largely on this - http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-filter/111.asp.

I'm changing a few things though.  I'm only using 1 bucket.  I'll still cut the bottom 2" off the bucket.  However I plan on attaching egg crate to the now open bottom of the bucket.  I'll still use the cut off bucket bottom as a drip plate with filter floss and will be located within the bucket at the top.  I will then place the unit on a 4" stand made of PVC with in the sump.  Within the PVC stand I'll place sponge filters.

I'll take photos and post a detailed tread when I finally get around to building it.
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.

Offline Nick

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2012, 10:13:23 PM »
Im very interested to see how it turns out. I have been wanting to try and build something similar myself. Problem is, I have only ever used hang on the backs and canisters. I really have no working knowledge of them and the little bit i know is actually from watching clips online.
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Offline Nick

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2012, 10:52:50 PM »
The wet dry configuration is pretty neat too. http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-filter/48.asp
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Offline mightieskeeper

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2012, 05:07:00 PM »
Hey Jeff i just started working on a wet/dry using a square tidy cat litter bucket.  This bucket fits perfect in a 20 gallon tall.
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Offline JeffroM

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2012, 07:17:21 PM »
I’ve started working on my filters.  Here are step by step instructions on how I’m building them:

1)   Get a standard 5 gallon bucket.  Remove the handle from the bucket.  Cut the bottom 2 inches off the bucket.  I used a table saw.  Initially cutting into the bucket and then rotating the bucket until it was completely cut.
 
 



2)   Cut a piece of eggcrate to cover the opening of the bottom of the bucket.  I used wire cutters.
3)   Drill 6 to 8 holes into the side of the bucket approximately 1” from the bottom of the bucket.
4)   Use zip ties to secure the eggcrate to the bucket.  Cut the extra lengths off the zip ties.

 



5)   Take 2” cutoff piece from the bucket and drill 1.2 million holes into it to use as a drip plate.








6)   Fill bucket with bio balls, leaving enough space for the drip plate to placed on top of the bio balls.






7)   Place drip plate on top of bio balls.






8)   Fill drip plate with filter floss material.






Steps I still haven’t done:

a)   Install bulkhead or other plumbing through bucket top.
b)   Install plumbing from tank to filter
c)   Place trickle filter on sponge within a sump tank
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.

Offline Nick

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2012, 08:52:50 PM »
Im liking it. Looking forward to seeing the complete setup.
Nothing but a few empty tanks.

Offline Ron

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2012, 06:56:19 AM »
Looking good so far. Are you concerned with the remaining height of the drip plate edge after the filter floss blanket was placed in there?
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Offline JeffroM

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2012, 12:31:00 PM »
Looking good so far. Are you concerned with the remaining height of the drip plate edge after the filter floss blanket was placed in there?
When the bucket lid is placed on it is actually inset slightly.  Plus the picture makes it look like there is more space than there actually is.

Whenever I get some more time I'll finish this project up...  LOL.
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.

Offline Ron

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2012, 03:48:04 PM »
Whenever I get some more time I'll finish this project up...  LOL.
I'm calling you out - it's been almost 2 months! Did you finish it yet?  ;D
"All men are equal before fish."
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Planted 100 Gallon Tank
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Offline JeffroM

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2012, 04:06:43 PM »
Whenever I get some more time I'll finish this project up...  LOL.
I'm calling you out - it's been almost 2 months! Did you finish it yet?  ;D
I haven't spent a single minute on this!  This issue being I don't want to set up this tank until after I move, which at this rate may be in 2020.
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.

Offline Nick

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2012, 10:51:22 PM »
Whenever I get some more time I'll finish this project up...  LOL.
I'm calling you out - it's been almost 2 months! Did you finish it yet?  ;D
I haven't spent a single minute on this!  This issue being I don't want to set up this tank until after I move, which at this rate may be in 2020.

Well give it to me. Ill set it up  8) Ive been really wanting to see this thing in action.
Nothing but a few empty tanks.

Offline JeffroM

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2012, 11:34:37 AM »
I haven't forgotten about this thread.  I just still haven't worked on it any more.  I will update when I do...
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.

Offline Nick

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2012, 11:05:06 PM »
I haven't forgotten about this thread.  I just still haven't worked on it any more.  I will update when I do...

I wish you would! :P Ive been kind of waiting to see how it works out to make my own.
Nothing but a few empty tanks.

Offline Ron

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #13 on: August 22, 2012, 06:08:39 PM »
I haven't forgotten about this thread.  I just still haven't worked on it any more.  I will update when I do...
Any updates?!  :P
"All men are equal before fish."
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Planted 100 Gallon Tank
550 Gallon Hap Tank

Offline JeffroM

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Re: Trickle Filter / Sump project
« Reply #14 on: August 22, 2012, 10:19:56 PM »
Any updates?!  :P
Nope.  Maybe in a few months.
I used to be a people person... but people ruined that for me.