AndrewB
07-26-2010, 10:11 PM
For the DIY'ers....
I have a classic eheim canister filter, but I always hear how canister filters are not the best option for biological filtration because the whole thing is submerged and livestock will continually compete with the beneficial bacteria for limited oxygen. I was a little concerned because discus are kept at high temperatures and water can not retain as much dissolved oxygen at higher temps.
Anyway that leads me to my project a few weeks back...
I first needed to get an overflow box to allow the proper amount of water into the sump below. The number one concern is flooding so I considered purchasing an overflow box online. Some deals to be had with H.O.B. models but I found a way to do the same thing for next to nothing.
This is what I came up with.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/picture.php?albumid=278&pictureid=2017
This is on the backside of my tank. What you can not see is that there is a horizontal piece that connects the two vertical tubes that is even with the water level. The whole thing works by siphon so when the water level rises water flows down the tube to the sump. It is situated so the same amount of water pumped up from the sump equals the amount that drains down. That cap is removable and is used to start the siphon. I also keep it on because it keeps the water sound down to minimal.
I got the idea from this website: http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-overflow/120.asp
Then under the tank stand is my "beautiful" sump. It's a good thing it's hidden because it doesn't look too nice in my family room.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/picture.php?albumid=278&pictureid=2018
It's pretty simple. Water is first pre-filtered with that black sponge. Water drains through another filter sponge where it then trickles down a pasta strainer and drips over some bio balls that are partially submerged.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/picture.php?albumid=278&pictureid=2019
Under the blue bio balls is another strainer and some ceramic ring pieces that I believe go to a fluval filter. Under that is a green bin that basically props the wet dry filter and also has some shower sponges for additional biological filtration.
I like to put additional filter bags filled with organic peat in this sump too. My heater is too large but it would be nice to hide this here as well. Maybe in the next model.
Then a small submersible pump returns the water to the tank and out a spray bar.
Now for the costs. Incredibly reasonable for the additional filtration. I had the tubing, black plastic jar, and some filter sponged, but I did have to buy a few things.
Costs:
Pump: $21
Plastic bin: $6
green bin: $1
Bio balls/ceramic pieces: $10
PVC pipe: $5
The only thing is I've realized that because I do so frequent water changes it probably doesn't matter that I have this additional filtration. Can't hurt though.
I have a classic eheim canister filter, but I always hear how canister filters are not the best option for biological filtration because the whole thing is submerged and livestock will continually compete with the beneficial bacteria for limited oxygen. I was a little concerned because discus are kept at high temperatures and water can not retain as much dissolved oxygen at higher temps.
Anyway that leads me to my project a few weeks back...
I first needed to get an overflow box to allow the proper amount of water into the sump below. The number one concern is flooding so I considered purchasing an overflow box online. Some deals to be had with H.O.B. models but I found a way to do the same thing for next to nothing.
This is what I came up with.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/picture.php?albumid=278&pictureid=2017
This is on the backside of my tank. What you can not see is that there is a horizontal piece that connects the two vertical tubes that is even with the water level. The whole thing works by siphon so when the water level rises water flows down the tube to the sump. It is situated so the same amount of water pumped up from the sump equals the amount that drains down. That cap is removable and is used to start the siphon. I also keep it on because it keeps the water sound down to minimal.
I got the idea from this website: http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-overflow/120.asp
Then under the tank stand is my "beautiful" sump. It's a good thing it's hidden because it doesn't look too nice in my family room.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/picture.php?albumid=278&pictureid=2018
It's pretty simple. Water is first pre-filtered with that black sponge. Water drains through another filter sponge where it then trickles down a pasta strainer and drips over some bio balls that are partially submerged.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/picture.php?albumid=278&pictureid=2019
Under the blue bio balls is another strainer and some ceramic ring pieces that I believe go to a fluval filter. Under that is a green bin that basically props the wet dry filter and also has some shower sponges for additional biological filtration.
I like to put additional filter bags filled with organic peat in this sump too. My heater is too large but it would be nice to hide this here as well. Maybe in the next model.
Then a small submersible pump returns the water to the tank and out a spray bar.
Now for the costs. Incredibly reasonable for the additional filtration. I had the tubing, black plastic jar, and some filter sponged, but I did have to buy a few things.
Costs:
Pump: $21
Plastic bin: $6
green bin: $1
Bio balls/ceramic pieces: $10
PVC pipe: $5
The only thing is I've realized that because I do so frequent water changes it probably doesn't matter that I have this additional filtration. Can't hurt though.