DIY Air-driven filters?

[:blackLancer:]

Hello,
Long time reader, first time poster lol ;D
Due to power concerns I am soon going to be switching all of my individually power-filtered tanks over to air-driven, run from a single pump. I am looking for DIY ideas for the filters, this switch is to save money!
I especially need to know how to make an air-driven filter with a huge bio-capacity for my 48"x18"x18" stocked with medium sized oddballs/predatory fish. Lots of waste in that tank.
Thanks ;)

[:blackLancer:]

anyone???

[ronrca]

Sorry! I wish I could help but I dont know much about air driven filters. :( I suppose you could take section of pipe, drill multiple holes in it and place foam around the outside. Then put an airstone in the center of the pipe. The idea would be similar to Hydro sponge filters http://www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22217;category_id=1725;pcid 1=2885;pcid2=

Is that what your looking for?

[jklnbrg]

Go here: http://daah.info/forum/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=3932;sta rt=msg49354#msg49354

I use home made filters in all my tanks fashioned after what John Nicholson posted in the above thread.

[Denny]

The sponge filters will give great bio filtration but you still need something to remove the crap you are talking about accumulating in the tanks. that I do with water changes

[:blackLancer:]

Thanks for the replies :) Some pretty good ideas.
I'll be doing 10% water changes every day in my tanks, that should take care of mechanical waste ???

[ronrca]

Getting rid of the crap is good however keeping an eye on the nitrates will determine the volume and frequency on wc's required daily! ;)

[Denny]

Really it is all going to come down to stocking density. If you have 6 adults in a 125 you will get by with far fewer water changes than if you pack 300 4" fish in a 75. Keep an eye on things and make adjustments gradually as needed

[:blackLancer:]

Ok thanks for the info ;)

Has anyone here used "side-drop" filters before? Not just with discus, has anyone used them at all? I was told they were easy to use and effective, wondering if its true...

[Amadhunter]

What are "side drop" filters? I guess that question answers yours. ;)
Never heard of them.

[:blackLancer:]

Sorry for the delay.
"Side drop filters" are simply a glassed in, internal filter at one end of the tank, two sheets of glass, 1-2mm apart, one is attached to the bottom of the tank, the other goes to the top. Water goes from the bottom of the tank up between the sheets of glass, overflows into the filter, trickles down through the media, into an uplift and back into the tank! :) Pretty poor description I know...but a few people have probably seen them or something similar in a fishroom somewhere. Anyone used them? Are they any good?
Thanks