Adding micron filter to an existing wet dry system * PIC heavy

[Arkangel77]

I wanted to add a Macron Bag filter to my Wet dry but had no space for it in the Unit. I thought of adding a separate chamber to hold the Bag and place it in line of the drain from the tank to the filter. This is a picture by picture / step by step description of what O did today. I made some mistakes which included FLOODING my living room. But I figured it out in the end and its working GREAT so far! Fingers Crossed!

SO first I will show what it looked like before I installed my Micron Bag Filter.http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/875/filter004.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/filter004.jpg/)

These 3 pics are some of the parts. I got the BOX from Low's (I had problems finding one the right size with a lid that would sorta snap shut) the rest was pet shop and ace.
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/5480/filter001.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/filter001.jpg/)
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2552/filter002.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/filter002.jpg/)
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2680/filter003.jpg (http://img300.imageshack.us/i/filter003.jpg/)

Next I will show you what I did to get it to one inlet pipe. I needed to do this for my filter install. I checked the flows and it wasn't backing up in the tank so I figured I was good and it was at this point.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/7154/filter005.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/filter005.jpg/)
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/6223/filter006.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/filter006.jpg/)
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8959/filter007.jpg (http://img300.imageshack.us/i/filter007.jpg/)
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2945/filter009.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/filter009.jpg/)

Now I am starting to assemble my filter Unit

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4384/filter010.jpg (http://img32.imageshack.us/i/filter010.jpg/)
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1548/filter012.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/i/filter012.jpg/)

I should have saw the problem here But I missed it!
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7/filter013.jpg (http://img32.imageshack.us/i/filter013.jpg/)

Now let me show you my shelf and the unit in place.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1097/filter011.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/filter011.jpg/)
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/3178/filter015.jpg (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/filter015.jpg/)

You can start to see the problem in this pic

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5281/filter014.jpg (http://img32.imageshack.us/i/filter014.jpg/)

This was my first attempt at a fix. The water lvl kept rising in the filter box and I could not figure out why????

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/1918/filter016.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/i/filter016.jpg/)
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1345/filter017.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/i/filter017.jpg/)

I thought I might have it and it was getting late so I rolled the dice and went and grabbed the Kids from School. This was a mistake as I came home to water all over the floor. No pic of that Just trust me it was no fun. This was my 1st flood in the 10 months of having this tank up and running! Let me show you what was the problem!

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9797/filter018.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/filter018.jpg/)
This pic shows that the Filter bag was clogging the drains and that's why the water was backing up in the filter box. Should have thought of that BUT live and learn.

This is what I did to fix it and so far its working great!
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6518/filter019.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/filter019.jpg/)
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/663/filter020.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/i/filter020.jpg/)
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7039/filter021.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/i/filter021.jpg/)

I guess that's it if you got any questions Just ask! That's to all the folks who helped me with info for the Mod and let me bounce Ideas off of them!

Arkangel77

[Darrell Ward]

Cool! Looks like you got it figured out. :thumbsup:

[Arkangel77]

Yep - I wish I would have figured it out before I flooded my Living room. LOL - O well. I am sure there are better ways to protect the drains but that was My quick Fix! after I mopped the floors.

Arkangel77

[Eddie]

Pretty good DIY project, a handyman indeed. ;)

Eddie

[tcyiu]

Very, very nice DIY tute. I wish I had thought of that when my wet dry was running. I was so tired of having to rinse the filter mat that was under the drip tray.

Tim

[Arkangel77]

Very, very nice DIY tute. I wish I had thought of that when my wet dry was running. I was so tired of having to rinse the filter mat that was under the drip tray.

Tim

Ya that's why I did it. To not have to deal with the pad so much.

Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

Well ran into another Snafoo. The Micron Bag filter is cloging up. Its not causing any more flods but I got vervous and took it out the Box. So I am looking for a NEW type bag now. What got me woried was that the lvl on watter was 2" higher in the bag than it was in the Box. The Bag was swollen kinda like a ballon. SO Do any of you guys have an Idea on what Kinda Bag I could try?

This is what I used.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/115/378/=39gzu7
Filter Bags with Drawstring
Nylon * 18 x 12" x 8" * 75 Micron * Part # 2514K31

Arkangel77

If the BAG was hanging instead of laying I think it would work better. No idea of how to make that happen in my set up though?

[Darrell Ward]

That's the thing with micron filters, you'll need to rinse them out every couple of days. That's also what makes them so great. They trap all the little particles the other filters miss. You think a 75 micron clogs fast, I used one micron bags for about 2 years! Rinsing it out is easy. Turn the bag inside out, run it under a faucet while rubbing the bag between your hands. Cleans it in like a minute and half.

[Arkangel77]

Ya I guess I could make that part of my daily cleaning. 2 min to clean the filter and 15 min to take it out and put it back! :shocked2:

[Darrell Ward]

Ya I guess I could make that part of my daily cleaning. 2 min to clean the filter and 15 min to take it out and put it back! :shocked2:

Dang! If it takes that long, might be better to design your own sump. I can remove my bags in seconds...

[Chad Hughes]

Try a larger micron. I realize that you want it as fine as possible, but for the sake of practicality, maybe a 200 micron would work out better for your setup. 200 microns is still pretty good!

Best wishes!

[Arkangel77]

Yes I could just make a entirely new sump - Just trying to avoid that. Thats why I came up with this idea. I may give the 200 Micron Idea a shot and see what Happens?

Thanks, Arkangel77

[Lytehouse]

Yes I could just make a entirely new sump - Just trying to avoid that. Thats why I came up with this idea. I may give the 200 Micron Idea a shot and see what Happens?

Thanks, Arkangel77

Good idea on the 200 micron and watching to see how long till you have to change them out. May need to have several and trade them out quickly to wash them.

Like the rest of the adaptation. Very handy.

[Chad Hughes]

Yes I could just make a entirely new sump - Just trying to avoid that. Thats why I came up with this idea. I may give the 200 Micron Idea a shot and see what Happens?

Thanks, Arkangel77

I don't think that you need a new sump. What you have going on has got great potential. It's getting it balanced that's the trick! In all of my aquarium filter experience, I can't say that I have run across a 75 micron filter sock unless I was specifically looking for it. Most are rated at 100 microns or higher, especially for this type of application. I'll bet you see a huge difference with the 200 micron.

Keep us posted. I love the thread!

[Arkangel77]

I don't think that you need a new sump. What you have going on has got great potential. It's getting it balanced that's the trick! In all of my aquarium filter experience, I can't say that I have run across a 75 micron filter sock unless I was specifically looking for it. Most are rated at 100 microns or higher, especially for this type of application. I'll bet you see a huge difference with the 200 micron.

Keep us posted. I love the thread!

BOY I hope you are right! I have ordered the NEW filter bags! We will see!:angel:

[Chad Hughes]

LOL! Me too! :p

I think you'll be OK.

[Darrell Ward]

200 microns is a much bigger weave, but if it really takes 15 mins. to change the bag, I'd scrap the idea, or change sump designs.

[Arkangel77]

Well just to Update. I got my new bags in today and so far so good. Its in placer and doing well so far. WE will see how it looks tomorrow! I am thinking about changing the set up and moving the bags into the filter. I will loose like 80% of my Bio balls so I am hesitating. I am gona watch it for now.

Lata, Arkangel77

PS - My Ozone Gen. shipped out today. One step closer to my Ozone system! WHOOT

[Darrell Ward]

Good luck. :D

[Arkangel77]

Thanks so far so good - this morning it looks great! Flowing well!

[Chad Hughes]

Glad to hear! ;)

[Arkangel77]

Now I am just hopping I dont go home to another FLOOD! LOL

[Chad Hughes]

Now I am just hopping I dont go home to another FLOOD! LOL

Where is the bottleneck? What seems to be causing the overflow?

[Arkangel77]

I don't think there is one. If I was thinking it would be a possibility I would not have set it up. As long as the Bag is not plugged and it looks fine and My drains out of the filter keep doing what they were doing I will be good! I like to set this kinda thing up when I am gona be home for a day or 2 so I can keep an eye on it. I am working this weekend so I wont be home much. It just makes ma a tinny bit nervous.

I will let ya know how it is once I get home.

Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

I don't think there is one. If I was thinking it would be a possibility I would not have set it up. As long as the Bag is not plugged and it looks fine and My drains out of the filter keep doing what they were doing I will be good! I like to set this kinda thing up when I am gona be home for a day or 2 so I can keep an eye on it. I am working this weekend so I wont be home much. It just makes ma a tinny bit nervous.

I will let ya know how it is once I get home.

Arkangel77

Yeah, I like to be around when experimenting with plumbing. I can see why you might be a bit nervous. Let us know how it goes!

Best wishes!

[Arkangel77]

Well - Its all good! Flowing great no backing up so I guess so far so good.

ARk:angel:

[David Rose]

Looks and sounds like your DIY project worked out. Are you pleased with the results? I'd be curious to know how often you will need to clean the micro filter.

Best,

[Arkangel77]

well - I am monitoring it. So far it seems like this new bag will last a lot longer between cleanings. I did not have the 75M bag in place long enough for any type of comparison but it seemed to grab a Lot bore stuff. SO I guess I have not made up my mind yet? I will post updates as I go. Thanks, Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

UPDATE - Well I just cleaned the bag for the first time. Its working well. No back-ups and collecting a fair bit of stuff. I may try a 125 or 150 Micron bag next to see if I can go a bit finer without backing up the flow. Just figured I would share.

Arkangel77

:angel:

[Chad Hughes]

UPDATE - Well I just cleaned the bag for the first time. Its working well. No back-ups and collecting a fair bit of stuff. I may try a 125 or 150 Micron bag next to see if I can go a bit finer without backing up the flow. Just figured I would share.

Arkangel77

:angel:

Nice! Are you still seeing particulate in the water column or just trying to go as small as possible of premium filtration? Just curious.

Best wishes!

[Arkangel77]

I am still seeing some stuff in the water but my tank is so deep I am wondering if its just that a lot of the particles just sink to the bottom and never go out over the overflow? I am wondering if when I install the CO2 Reactor that it might help move a little water in the stiller section of the tank. I just don't have a crazy flow in the tank and as a result stuff settles more than I would like to see, or at least that is my theory. ALSO will be interesting to see what if any difference I will see once the Ozinizer is all set up. I am shooting for next week but with hood/light modifications and CO2 installation I am not sure if I am going to get it all done. Soon I will have it all set up! I will keep you posted. Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

I am still seeing some stuff in the water but my tank is so deep I am wondering if its just that a lot of the particles just sink to the bottom and never go out over the overflow? I am wondering if when I install the CO2 Reactor that it might help move a little water in the stiller section of the tank. I just don't have a crazy flow in the tank and as a result stuff settles more than I would like to see, or at least that is my theory. ALSO will be interesting to see what if any difference I will see once the Ozinizer is all set up. I am shooting for next week but with hood/light modifications and CO2 installation I am not sure if I am going to get it all done. Soon I will have it all set up! I will keep you posted. Arkangel77

I'd be willing to bet that you have some setteling going on. Those particles are not making it through the filtration system. a 200 micron filter should give you an excellent particulate catch rate. I'm not sure how your system is set up, but I like to point one of my return lines in the tank straight down and one at a 45 degree agle to the side. It varies the current and seems to get things moving. I am using a canister and a wet dry on the big displays, so I have two returns to play with. Another method would be to install a power head where you see dead spots. I really don;t like to have too much crap in the tank, but if it helps, then maybe it's something to consider.

All in all it looks like you are makinhg some serious headway! Great job!

[Arkangel77]

My system is set up with spray bars for the return from my pumps. I was trying to keep the water movements soft but perhaps some well placed jets of water would do more to keep things stirred up. I have also thought of a power head but I have hesitated to add more equipment in the tank. I am going to keep working my current plan and leave the 200M in place for now. If I must change something - I may try the power head sense I have a few laying around. Thanks for the help Chad.

Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

Well I had a Issue today. I cleaned the filter mid week last week (filter bag). What I did not notice was that it was starting to hold back a little. Well I got home this morning from work to find the bag swollen like a balloon and water in the stand -AGAIN! It was holding back about 3 or 4 gallons and some had found its way out of the system threw the cover of the bag filter. I pulled it and swapped it with a new bag and placed the only one in a bucket with water and a tinny bit of bleach to see if that will clean it out. Not sure if its the bag clogging over time or the new lights & CO2 causing algae to plug the filter or I don't know what? :confused:

I am still having problems with fine floating trash mid/lower in the tank. I am getting close to scraping this Idea and buying a FX5. I have bin trying to avoid the expense and installation of that Big unit under the tank but I want to see some clear water! I may try to hold off till I get my Ozone system in place this week to see if it helps but I am not feeling confident that it will fix the issue's I am having.:(

I guess its the combo of sand substrate and heavy feedings but I got floating crap everywhere in this tank and its getting on my nerves. I have never had this kinda issue before! I can do a 50% water change its its nasty 25 Hrs later. I am starting to think the FX5 may be the only way to fix this. I just hate to have more crap hanging in the tank!!!!:mad:

Arkangel77:angel:

[Darrell Ward]

You may not be turning over enough water. The spray bar may be holding your turnover rate back, or maybe the pump is too small, I don't know. You should be able to move enough water to keep the tank clean. I run several sump systems, and don't have those kinds of problems.

[Arkangel77]

I am not sure? I did the math and I should be moving enoughf water. I think its the sand but I am not sure?

I have a 75G with a Wet/Dry Sump, its got a sponge filter in it, AC110, and 500GPH pump in the sump and I still get the same effect But not as bad. Its got sand in it as well. I think the sand wont let anything settle into it and it all just sits on top.

ALSO when I had Gravel in the 180 Before I swapped over to sand I did not have these issues. Not sure if its Just me but the sand makes it tuff to keep a clean looking tank?

[Chad Hughes]

I am not sure? I did the math and I should be moving enoughf water. I think its the sand but I am not sure?

I have a 75G with a Wet/Dry Sump, its got a sponge filter in it, AC110, and 500GPH pump in the sump and I still get the same effect But not as bad. Its got sand in it as well. I think the sand wont let anything settle into it and it all just sits on top.

ALSO when I had Gravel in the 180 Before I swapped over to sand I did not have these issues. Not sure if its Just me but the sand makes it tuff to keep a clean looking tank?

What kind of sand are you using?

[Arkangel77]

What kind of sand are you using?


Fine Play Sand - I modded the 75G yesterday and it seems to be working better than the other but its only bin a day. I am wondering if its Orientation of the bag or something. I will post pics lata.

Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

Fine Play Sand - I modded the 75G yesterday and it seems to be working better than the other but its only bin a day. I am wondering if its Orientation of the bag or something. I will post pics lata.

Arkangel77

Interesting. I use play sand as well but I woldn;t say that it's fine. Maybe normal grain? LOL!

[Arkangel77]

well here are some pics of my Modded wet dry for my 75. I have 3 filters on this tank so I wanted to retrofit the wet dry with a micron bag filter. I also sandwiched a layer of Bio Balls just cause I did not want to pull them all out. It looks like a huge wast of filter space now BUT If that Bag filter catches the floating Stuff I will be Happy with it. I also posted a pic of the trio in this 75G. These Buggers are tougher by far than my Discus - EBJD!

Arkangel77

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5480/filter001.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/filter001.jpg/)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2680/filter003.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/filter003.jpg/)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7154/filter005.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/filter005.jpg/)

[Arkangel77]

SO far the modded filter under the 75 is working great. I guess its better to have it upright than laying on its side. I may mod 1/2 the filter under my 180 in the same way if This continues to work so well for me. We will see.

PS - here is a link to my - Ozone system mod.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?p=577065#post577065

Lata, Arkangel77

[Chad Hughes]

well here are some pics of my Modded wet dry for my 75. I have 3 filters on this tank so I wanted to retrofit the wet dry with a micron bag filter. I also sandwiched a layer of Bio Balls just cause I did not want to pull them all out. It looks like a huge wast of filter space now BUT If that Bag filter catches the floating Stuff I will be Happy with it. I also posted a pic of the trio in this 75G. These Buggers are tougher by far than my Discus - EBJD!

Arkangel77

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5480/filter001.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/filter001.jpg/)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2680/filter003.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/filter003.jpg/)
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7154/filter005.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/i/filter005.jpg/)


I like to use whatever works. LOL! Sounds like that's the direction you are going in. Those are some funny looking discus! :p Is that a tiny little UV that I see in the pics? You could most likely take that out. It's not doing too much for you. With Ozone, you should be good to go.

Best wishes!

[Arkangel77]

That's my 75 and its Just got those Electric Blue Jacks and I know the UV's not doing much but its better than nothing. The 75 will NOT be getting Ozone - LOL.

Thanks, Arkangel77

[Arkangel77]

Well Just an Update - The Bag Filter in the 75 is working GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was an AWESOME upgrade for that tank.

However - the 180 bag filter mod has not bin as successful which I don't get, The only thing different is the orientation of the bag. I guess that is a Major factor?

SOon I will remove the bag filter mod from the 180 and replace it with my NEW FX5. That's a Job for next week. I still need to install my standpipe in the 180 but I have bin putting it off. :D

Lata, Arkangel77

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7376/reactors002.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/reactors002.jpg/)