Cosmo
06-15-2016, 06:24 PM
I haven't mentioned this as of yet, although it is rather obvious in the pics.
Yes, it is an undergravel filter, but, it is the evolution of undergravel filters, not your father's undergravel filter. The idea was born many many years ago when I was a moderator on BIDKA though I think we had parted ways before I actually implemented it.
Substrate is composed of about 30% fine gravel, and 70% Eheim bio media (ehfimech, ehfisubstrat, and ehfisubstrat pro). The air is provided by a Linear Piston Pump that puts out 26liters of air per minute (via Jehmco) so the flow of the water through the substrate is always considerable. The outflow is directed in 12 different directions, so water distribution is unparalled. I estimate the bio media is the equivelant of approx. 13 Eheim cannister filters, give or take.
The entire bottom of the tank is vacuumed daily during water changes to remove uneaten food and turds etc. which is the rough equivelant of cleaning the media in your cannisters on a daily basis.
It keeps the water pristine, and the fish are thriving, but to be honest I wouldn't do it again. The bio media is expensive, and, the vacuuming is considerably more work than that of a BB tank. Having said that, I have no plans of removing the media as of this time at least.
Now I have to write Paul Butler and let him know I've "come out of the closet" as he said he wants to get in on giving me **** as he is sure many of you will do :p
Yes, it is an undergravel filter, but, it is the evolution of undergravel filters, not your father's undergravel filter. The idea was born many many years ago when I was a moderator on BIDKA though I think we had parted ways before I actually implemented it.
Substrate is composed of about 30% fine gravel, and 70% Eheim bio media (ehfimech, ehfisubstrat, and ehfisubstrat pro). The air is provided by a Linear Piston Pump that puts out 26liters of air per minute (via Jehmco) so the flow of the water through the substrate is always considerable. The outflow is directed in 12 different directions, so water distribution is unparalled. I estimate the bio media is the equivelant of approx. 13 Eheim cannister filters, give or take.
The entire bottom of the tank is vacuumed daily during water changes to remove uneaten food and turds etc. which is the rough equivelant of cleaning the media in your cannisters on a daily basis.
It keeps the water pristine, and the fish are thriving, but to be honest I wouldn't do it again. The bio media is expensive, and, the vacuuming is considerably more work than that of a BB tank. Having said that, I have no plans of removing the media as of this time at least.
Now I have to write Paul Butler and let him know I've "come out of the closet" as he said he wants to get in on giving me **** as he is sure many of you will do :p