[LoneWolf345]

I have been working on a filtration system for my tank. Let me know what I need to make it better.

http://www.reefland.com/myaqlog/forum.php?do=showthread&tid=116&userid=10547

[Reefland]

Seems like it is more complicated than needed, and I definitely wouldn't mess with the bio-balls. Really all that is needed is good liverock, a good skimmer, maybe a place to put some mechanical filtration (like a sponge or filter floss) and water changes.

[LoneWolf345]

Your right, it is really complicated. But this is a hobby right? I am restricted to the area directly under the tank. So my goal with this is to create a filtration system that would maximize the space availible. If you'll notice that the system has an "L" shape to it. This is because there will be a power center in the empty space. So getting past the fact that its really complicated and hard to make. Will it work and what can I add, subtract, or change to make it better?

[zenleader]

Is this going on a drilled tank? If so you might need to lower the water level some so when the pump shuts off you dont over flow it.

[LoneWolf345]

The tank I have right now is not drilled. What is the best way to calculate how much water will run down after the pumps are off?

[zenleader]

length X width X height

The height in this would be from where you water normaly sits when it is running to the level is is after it drains down. You could just messure and add about half inch. That should give you what you need to figgure extra space down below.

[LoneWolf345]

I'm considering having my filter system built right into the stand itself. Does anybody have any experience with acrylic tank stands. This place looked really promising.
Custom Aquariums, Acrylic Aquariums, Custom Made Aquariums by Midwest Custom Aquariums
And while I'm at it I was thinking of just having them go ahead and build a tank to go with it. I have an old glass tank that has seen better days. It's also not drilled either.

[DonW]

Honestly other than being overly complicated, the first thing that comes to mind is nitrates. If this is going to be a reef tank I would definatly rethink going with a more conventional design.

Don

[LoneWolf345]

It really isn't that complicated. I have seen this system in use in a different system. All I did is come up with a way to combine everything into one unit. The system I saw had plumbing between each component. Just because something is complicated doesn't mean it won't work. Nobody has actually given me a reason for it to not work.

Now you mention the nitrates. What do you see that will cause this problem?

Thank you for spending time to answer my questions.

[zenleader]

I my self do not see why it will not work. As far as the nitrates go every thing I have seen and / or read is it come down to the bio-balls. With enough Live rock they are not needed if you do use the bio-balls you HAVE to keep them clean pre filtering is a must. When they get dirty they can become a Nitrate factory.

[DonW]

Media in general in a sump is a nitrate factory. Bioballs of course, fuidized sand and the flow is going to have to be slow so the lr will end up with detritus build up. I understand your shooting for a all in one, but bioballs are not needed nor is the fluidized bed. They are great for fish only systems that get fed alot and have very little LR in the display. For reef systems they are just asking for trouble.

Don

[LoneWolf345]

Ok so I'm getting the feeling that bioballs are bad. So those are out. Now I want to clearify the fluidized bed. The pipe that runs into the sand will be gravity fed. This does mean low volume like you said. But I dont think you saw that the remainder of the water volume (most of it) will go up and over the baffle. This allows me to have as much water volume as I can pump. within reason of course. Oh, and about that asking for trouble comment. I know I am, I figure this is a hobby right? I could go and buy/build something that has been done before but what fun is that. I like to reinvent things. So this is my goal.

[LoneWolf345]

P.S.
Any views/oppinions about the filterstand from:
http://www.midwestcustomaquarium.com/filterstand.html

[DonW]

Originally Posted by LoneWolf345

Ok so I'm getting the feeling that bioballs are bad. So those are out. Now I want to clearify the fluidized bed. The pipe that runs into the sand will be gravity fed. This does mean low volume like you said. But I dont think you saw that the remainder of the water volume (most of it) will go up and over the baffle. This allows me to have as much water volume as I can pump. within reason of course. Oh, and about that asking for trouble comment. I know I am, I figure this is a hobby right? I could go and buy/build something that has been done before but what fun is that. I like to reinvent things. So this is my goal.

There is nothing wrong with creativity. The science is the only thing your missing. The sand is also going to be issue. Pushing water up through the sand you loose the anoxic zone due do excess oxygen, this will net increased nitrates. You can get denitrification by just flowing across the top of the sand bed as long as its deep enough.

Don

[LoneWolf345]

Ok, but what about the Lifeguard fluidized bed filter? http://www.pentairaquatics.com/pdfs/...uidize_bed.pdf
Does it cause problems with nitrates? This was what I was trying to imitate.

[DonW]

Originally Posted by LoneWolf345

Ok, but what about the Lifeguard fluidized bed filter? http://www.pentairaquatics.com/pdfs/...uidize_bed.pdf
Does it cause problems with nitrates? This was what I was trying to imitate.

Yes it will be a nitrate factory.

Don

[CnLHolman01]

This looks alot like a refugium setup using the bioball instead. There are many more benefits to using a deep sand bed refugium. Mine is setup completely under a 40 Tall fish tank about 2 x 1 x 3 ft area. I have a pump to take the water from the bottom tank to the top. and a siphon pump to assist in taking the water to the lower tank, and on the refugium is a hang on protien skimmer. It is diy, I bought a glass tank and had glass cut and used aquarium silicone to attach them to make dividers to keep the sand out of my skimmer and pump. I don't have holes drilled into my tank either. This is all out of the back of the tank.
This has made the maintance of my tank to extremely easy (had a tank only for about 4 years) have had the refugium setup for about 1 year and a half...my issues are because of overfeeding or adding too many additives, kids like to help feed the fish.. Will try to get you a photo of the refugium setup. Camera acting weird

[LoneWolf345]

My design actually has both. I have decided to abandon my idea. I am only 21 years old and dont have the time or the money for trial and error. I decided to just hire midwest custom aquariums to build a 180 gallon tank with an acrylic filterstand and acrylic canopy. I'm going to sell my old 125 gallon glass tank and makeshift sump I have now.