need ideas for trickle filter

[slicksta]

this I posted before....A spraybar made out of 1" PVC over a triclkle plate made from a plastic cafeteria tray. The filter box is a plastic storage container 16"L x 12"H x 10"D.

[slicksta]

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[slicksta]

under the trickle plate is a layer of filter floss

[slicksta]

under the floss is a layer of filter sponge

[slicksta]

then there is 5 gallons of bioballs

[slicksta]

the filer box empties into the sump. I drilled a series of holes in the bottom of the filter box the same as the trickle plate only larger , about 3/8"
In the sump there are two heaters.
....a small pump that I have filled with sponges and carbon. This polishes the water and keeps the water in the sump always moving....
....and a low water cut off. This is incase something obstructs the flow to the sump. This protects the pump and heaters from runnning dry

[slicksta]

a pic of it running...

[slicksta]

this is my DIY filter that is in the sump connected to the small pump

[slicksta]

then it gets pumped back up by this little guy......
actually he is going to get replaced by a little giant 3-MDQ-SC when I get the chance......
Both are about 700 gallon an hour

[slicksta]

and the reason for all this............

[slicksta]

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[slicksta]

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[slicksta]

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[Lance_Krueger]

John (slicksta),
Thank you so much for the detailed descriptions and the great photos. They were extremely helpful!
Couple more questions for you. I see the smaller rubbermaid containing the bioballs sitting inside the larger rubbermaid. Is there any sort of support beneath the smaller one, or does it just rest on it's handles across the edge of the larger rubbermaid?
I also saw that you had an X-10 controller with a couple of cords plugged into it. Is this to turn on and shut off your lighting? How do you like the X-10?
Thanks again,
Lance Krueger

[korbi_doc]

Hi Slicksta, the system is neat, I hardly understand it, mine was a bought one for the 90g years ago (amiracle I think) but it works. I'm not that handy. What I want to say is; THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL; LOVE THAT TANK; & THOSE FISH!!! They are WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! Very very neat, go guy!! Dottie ;D ;D ;D ;D