DIY canister filter - Giving it a bash

[LiftCrazy*]

After reading that you need to at least cycle your tank 3 time per hour i decided to see what i could build.

Going through a few DIY guides i started sourcing some material.

I got a 9L tupperware from a plastics store that looked like it could do the job. I also found some clear tubing, some connectors and hose clamps (all 20mm) from a local Mica. At the pet shop i got a pond pump rated 1570L/h along with filter floss and carbon.

This is after i drilled the hole and silconed the hose connector in. On the other end of the elbow i took a piece of pipe, filled the opposite end with hot glue and drilled a bunch of holes down the length of the pipe to evenly distribute the water. The pump is attached to the lid and the connector is pushed through the top.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6197.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6198.jpg

Here is the floss and carbon that i used.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6199.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6201.jpg

Layering (Gravel, carbon then floss) and test fitting...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6203.jpg
The white plastic strainer thing came with the container.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6204.jpg

Now for the test...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6205.jpg

Here the concept is working perfectly...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6206.jpg

Well it did work perfectly, but when i added gravity into the equation, things weren't so perfect. The pressure from the water traveling down the intake pipe to floor level caused the "water tight" tupperware to bulge and water started spraying all over the lounge. While i was trying to stop the flow of water i noticed that the the water was landing all over my multiplug. After pulling the intake out of the tank, the rest of the water in the pipe still had to travel down hill spraying even more water. After the chaos subsided i ran to get some towels. While mopping up i made a note to self... Raise the canister next time. :p

Well after almost drowning and being electocuted i this time raised the canister to tank level using the trusty workbench.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6207.jpg

Before trying again i took some extra precautions...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6209.jpg

It worked... no problems this time.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6211.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6212.jpg

So far, so good... The filter works hard and does an excellent job. In all i spent around R600 to make this filter. I believe a commercial canister filter to suite my tank (300L) will cost around R1200.... so it's not a bad saving if you have the time.

Since then i bought some bio balls which i will add when i next clean my filter.
One disadvantage with this filter is that you have to prime the canister to get it started after cleaning.

Otherwise i am a happy man... with R600 in my pocket.

Note: I did a power failure test and i found out my canister was still too low.
water started leaking slowly from the canister. After raising it is slightly (Now sitting at 22.5 cm up the side of the 55cm tank height) it remains water tight when cutting the power. :D

[Singularity]

haha, nice write up, enjoyed reading it.

[Dolphin]

clever idea you have there, very nice!

not sure but are you using 2 pumps? one from the tank and then one again back from the container?

you might want to consider the following:
- try mounting the container onto the top of the tank and setting it up so that the water "gravity" feeds out and back to the tank. So the pump should in the tank.
- Layering: Filter wool should be placed first, then biological media and last the carbon.
- Filter media: Instead of the Gravel, use good quality siporax or similar. Beware of the carbon as it might leach unwanted phosphates into the water. Try to get high quality activated granular carbon.

[LiftCrazy*]

Thanks for the tips, I guess mounting it on top of the tank would make more sense :bigsmile: Could have saved a lot of hassle from the start

I want to start on a custom canopy next, so i will make provision of the canister on top. I will probably move the pump like you suggested. The original idea was to keep the pump outside the tank to reduce the clutter.

I am going to have to address the media in the canister as well. I had no idea about the order... it must be hilarious for you guys watching the newbies :p

[Dolphin]

it must be hilarious for you guys watching the newbies :p


No worries!

Its all good... no question is a stupid question so rather ask here and do it right first time...

[LiftCrazy*]

True!

Oops, i forgot to answer your question... only 1 pump.
Will go look for some media after work.

[Singularity]

it must be hilarious for you guys watching the newbies :p

The Fan for the wet carpet was amusing :p

[LiftCrazy*]

I must admit, an hour afterward i had a good chuckle myself.

Every now and then one discovers something interesting about themselves...
I discovered that in situations involving water and electricity, i panic like a little girl.

[LiftCrazy*]

This is the newly repacked media... in the correct order this time.
I also replaced all the silicone with hot glue... seems to work much better!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6262.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6263.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6264.jpg

[LiftCrazy*]

So the DIY canister filter's pump has been lumbering away pumping air bubbles that are getting in at the input line into the canister.

This evening i ripped it apart to re-do the seals when i stumbled across some parts lying around the house that looked perfect for the job.

Also, the old system's 90 degree bend meant that the input hose was putting major weight/twist load on the seal joint. Picture a crude tourque wrench...

With this update there will be very little twist as the connector can swivel.
It also turns out that the hole i initially drilled into the "canister" was the perfect size for the "new parts".

Here are the pics to explain what i have left out...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6311.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6312.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6313.jpg

Holding thumbs...

[LiftCrazy*]

...and i finally got around to tidying up the pipes with some bends...

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6314.jpg

[Dolphin]

looking good :top:

[2time]

yep, its looking goooood

[LiftCrazy*]

@Dolphin & 2time - Thanks guys

I popped into the hardware store during lunch to go get a "gardena" attachment for the 20mm hose... i will assemble tonight and post an update. Wery excite!

[LiftCrazy*]

Well it's together and working... but it seems that air is still getting in somewhere.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6315.jpg

Here's a full setup pic with my new T5's during testing. (Just finished the wiring)
MAN these things are BRIGHT. If these are just 2 6500K lamps i can't imagine running 3 plus a 20 000k... :nuts:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t208/LiftCrazy/IMG_6316.jpg

[Reafer]

HI just want to start off by saying awesome thread!!!! that filter looks sweet.
i am setting up my new 300L tank and was wondering if building a filter like this is a viable option for my new tank , are there any drawbacks to this option other than having to build it ( which i think is the fun part :bigsmile:). What sort of flow rate are u looking to get through the filter , i herd that if its to fast the bacteria get washed away. Are there dangres with the flow being to slow? i am planning on using a 15L canister for the filter is that to big? any other tips i should know? :bigsmile::bigsmile: Thx

[LiftCrazy*]

Reafer - Thanks man! It worked great, but i eventually forked out some money and got an Eheim classic 2217 canister. Yes it was fun while it lasted, but i found myself constantly pottering around with it.

I came to the conclusion that yes it is possible to make one of these things and yes they DO work, but if i used the money towards the Eheim in the beginning, it would have only cost me another R500.

The new filter really is worth the money. Mine came with shut off valves for when i need to clean the media. Switch off, close the valves and disconnect. That way i take the whole unit to the bath to clean it. No extra hassle of draining the water off first before loosening the hose clams etc.

If i am not mistaken the flow rating of the pump i used in the DIY was 1570L/h. But I think the 20mm hoses slowed the flow down a bit.
Seemed to work fine with the bacteria sorting out my ammonia levels.

Anywho, if i went back and did it again there would be things i would do differently.
I would probably put the pump in the tank instead of in the canister.
Also, i thought of getting a tall "canister" so that it could stand next to the tank, this way the water level in the tank can match that of the canister. Then water pressure won't be an issue, and with the narrower "canister"

[Reafer]

I was thinking of useing a piece of pvc pipe 150x800 which i roughly 14.1 L , i got some nice insert baskets for the pipe aswell , to hold the filter material . u can get nice screw caps for them and they can take the pressure. so it will be a long thinnish filter

[LiftCrazy*]

That sounds great. Are you going to try it?

[Reafer]

yea i got all the parts and a pump so it will cost next to nothing and i like projects :p

[LiftCrazy*]

Well good luck, please post some pics as you go... i would love to see it come together.

[Reafer]

yea i will do. thx for the help

[Ferryman]

awesome... that looks almost not that daunting...

[Whipme]

I built something almost identical for my little 25l tank a few months ago and it's still working brilliantly :)
It really just cost me as much as a 2.5l container (R60), a box of Sera ceramic rings (R65), a sponge filter (R14), and some 90 degree bends (R5 for a whole bunch). The rest of the ingredients I had lying around at home: Perspex sheet, 1/2" pipe and a powerhead. I must comment though that I was going to get the Boyu ceramic rings, till I realised that you actually get about 3 to 4 times the amount in the Sera box for about double the price. Something to look at carefully when buying things like this.

I did mine a bit differently though. I made it more like a mini sump, with sections where the water flows over and under the perspex dividers. And I'm only using the ceramic rings inside the filter, so I haven't actually opened it since I started it up...

[Mongwopman]

Well done my man, at least you had the gutso to try and attempt something which others would have just brushed aside.

I also concidered making a DIY filter, but i would have opted for one of the tall "Spagetti" holders as aposed to your tub. However in the end i didnt get around to doing it.

But non-the-less, well done for the effort. im sure that with a little ingenuity someone could attempt this and come out on top!!

8/10 - you lost points on the flooding of your lounge and almost choking yourself! LOL!

[LiftCrazy*]

Thanks Guys! :proud:

[Zafgak]

Well done Lift !! you are forcing me to finish one I started about 3 months back and never finished.... :)

[JaguarCichlid]

Too true Zaf, I have a total of 4 unfinished DIY filters lying in the garage..

I have used 25l paint buckets (NEW) and done something very similar for my 1000l tanks. very effective and a whole lot cheaper than buying filters

[Whipme]

Paint buckets? Do tell! That sounds like an interesting DIY project.

[Asgar]

Good DIY project. R600 is ok. However, you can get a Bowini External canister filter (1200l/hr) for about the same price (brand new).

[Freaksa]

I made one of these last week, only just stumbled across this forum now.. :)

Final Product
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/899/img0103desktopresolutio.jpg

Avoided any 90Degree elbows as this greatly reduces water flow(important for my project because i had 90degree eblows about 5 and water flow was very poor due to all the friction created, now i only have one which is unavoidable)
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/321/img0104desktopresolutio.jpg

Inflow pipe
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3149/img0105desktopresolutio.jpg

This pretty much cost me around R150,

All i ended up purchasing was the pipe, and the pump.

My one works a bit differently from the one in this thread though See image below.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4397/25375333.jpg

I create a syphon by sucking on the outflow pipe(one on the top of the lid) this fills up the container from the bottom up then i turn the pump on once the water is above the pump level, this sucks the water (with the syphon going in the same pipe) but creates enough preasure to pump it back up out the outflow pipe..

Since i only made this last week i have really had time to put in filter media at the moment its just stones and some fish tank coal... Will add some more media at a later stage.. Was quite a simple project and cost effective, lucky i didnt have any leakages (waited 2 days for silicone to dry).

Anyhow thought i would share my project :)

[Whipme]

That looks great!
Have you had any leakages?
And how do you prevent fish and stones from getting into your inflow pipe?
I'm just using a standard R14 sponge from one of those air-powered filters.

[Freaksa]

That looks great!
Have you had any leakages?
And how do you prevent fish and stones from getting into your inflow pipe?
I'm just using a standard R14 sponge from one of those air-powered filters.

None as of yet, i held out on temptation to test the thing early and rather let it dry for 2 days(also i silicone'd the inside and the outside of the part that i had to drill with a LOT of silicone), so i hope i get no leaks, or my whole tank will be syphoned out. heh but ya i let it test run in another tank for two days without any leaks and its been going in my current tank for about a week with no problems..

Currently im using a spare attachment(dont exactly know what that would be called) from my aquaclear 150 to stop the fish from going in, which for now ive put under the gravel, but i only have a few babies that actually can get sucked up into it so once they grow up ill just let it be in the corner of my tank. Even if i let them get sucked up into the filter(didnt think in the beginning they would go near it because they stay away from my aqua clear intake pipe), they survive the trip through the filter they just get stuck swimming around the bottom, ive had to free two :P but they are all still alive and now i have put the pipe under the gravel.. :)

[Ferryman]

What type of tupper ..um.. bak ... is that? (in liters?)
is it just one huge long tupperware box?
...and where'd you buy it.
lol
it looks great, let us know when you add media to it, how effective it is, has it handled any bioload yet?

[Freaksa]

What type of tupper ..um.. bak ... is that? (in liters?)
is it just one huge long tupperware box?
...and where'd you buy it.
lol
it looks great, let us know when you add media to it, how effective it is, has it handled any bioload yet?

Its a 2.1liter "tupper ..um.. bak" :) Um yes its just a long one dimensions are about 8.5x12x28cm VERY Rough dimensions as it actually gets bigger at the top. They are called 4-sides locked, i think ive seen them a the crazy store(other make) and definitely at makro, or servistar (builders warehouse) think it was about R60 when i last saw them, but i actually didn't go out and purchase one for my project we have quite a few to store cereal in so i just used one of those :)

I think its going to quite effective when i start actually using it properly because at the moment its pumping out 180litres/hour(Closer to 200 but i rather under state than overstate) which basically means that alone is turning my tank over 2 times an hour then i still have my aquaclear 150(close to 500litres/hour).

But one i load all my filter media into it ill remeasure the flow rate just to check that it hasn't slowed down or anything and ill give it a while to see if it has any effect on the bioload.

[Ruan]

Wow, nice Freaksa!
I'm so tempted to try this!

[Ferryman]

Me too, thats why i wanted to know where to get those er. . Tubs? Boxes? Bakke dammit.. :)

I'm not allowed to cannibalise one i saw in the tupper-cabinet at home. And whomever bought it can't remember where.

[Freaksa]

Wow, nice Freaksa!
I'm so tempted to try this!

The only reason i did try it was because i was highly bored and had some(if not most of the stuff laying around) You could put a bigger pump in the bottom you just will have to make sure it fits :)

When choose the pipe make sure its not too thick ( i brought thick pipe first) then i brought thinner pipe... Try not to use any 90degree elbows :) and drill the holes a bit to small and rather force the pipe/power cable/top attachment in.. To prevent leaking :)

[Ferryman]

Question. Isn't it easier/better to have the water flowing in from above, being dragged through the layers, than pushed through?

Also, if it comes from the top, you add a few layers of filterwool to catch the crap, easily cleaned by lifting the lid. But coming from the bottom. The crap will settle at the bottom. Won't that be a nitrate pit sesspool?

[Whipme]

That's why I use a filter sponge on my intake pipe, so I just have water flowing through the biological media in the filter ;)

I'm actually thinking of making a nice big one for my main tank now, around 6 or 8 litres. But then I'd have to buy another powerhead and find a way to keep the top of the container around the top of my water level or I'd have to get a more expensive pump with a head of 2m or so and make sure that I have a super sealing container.

Something that could improve the design is to put flow valves on both lines so you can disconnect the filter without taking all your piping along. More like a conventional canister filter.

Edit: I wanted to post some photos of my filter build process here, but as it turns out they were all on my drive that got stolen with my laptop :(

[Ferryman]

so take new ones...
Whip out that cam-cell...
Or borrow someone's cam-cell and bluetooth it to yourself, and upload :D:D

[Freaksa]

Question. Isn't it easier/better to have the water flowing in from above, being dragged through the layers, than pushed through?

Also, if it comes from the top, you add a few layers of filterwool to catch the crap, easily cleaned by lifting the lid. But coming from the bottom. The crap will settle at the bottom. Won't that be a nitrate pit sesspool?

I did not actually think about this, but since reading this post earlier ive come up with a solution... I hope stockings are not poisonous to fish because that will be my solution :)

[veegal]

I hope stockings are not poisonous to fish because that will be my solution :)

Nope - We use stockings with no ill effects to the fish. Just make sure that they are new unused stockings :D. We rinse our new stockings in very hot water and then soak them in dechlorinated water for awhile before using them.

[Freaksa]

I did not actually think about this, but since reading this post earlier ive come up with a solution... I hope stockings are not poisonous to fish because that will be my solution :)

I have about 3 solutions would like to know which would be best...

1) Get a stocking make a small hole in it put the hole on the outlet value of the pump, thus causing all debris to fall onto the stock(i have a way to hold it up)

2) get sponge that will cover the whole width and length of the tub. Make a round hole that will fit onto the outlet pipe of the PUMP and put it so it stops all debris from falling below the pump outlet level..

3) Fill the bottom of the containing with very fine sand and then place the sponge on top of the sand as in method 2....

Not sure if any of these would be viable and not sure how good the sitting sand at the bottom would be.. But any new input would be appreciated or anything to add to my current ideas or improve them would also be appreciated..

Please let me know if it will work :)

[Freaksa]

OR do this :)
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3765/untitlasdasded.jpg

[Ferryman]

why can't you implement it this why?

that way, you only have the one canister, and to clean you only need to open the lid, and mostly replace the fine filterwool... once in a blue moon clean the rest

[mark d]

I did some thing like this but just a bit different.