filtration

hi TASA

what is the better option to go for a sump filter or a canister(external) filter?

I currently have a 3ft tank and wanting to upgrade to a bigger tank !

Ive read that a cannister filter is a cheaper way to go , but also read that a sump type filter is better as you can fit your heater inside the pump!

i currently have a dolphin internal filter and havent had a days trouble with it " Touch wood" but if i have a bigger volume of water unsure if my internal will manage the bigger volume of water?

So my question to you highly experienced fish keeper what is my best option to go for?

kind regards
Deon

 

I prefer a canister filters, super quiet and Jebo does a pretty neat 300w in-line heater. I currently have three canisters running (two bought and one DIY) and not a moment of poo from any of them. IMO, they are the least hassle, least maintenance and super good at filtering! (The Jebo in-line heater will set you back about R250 to R300)

 

How big will the new tank be? It really depends on your inhabitants(what fish you are keeping) or going planted. What will your bio-load be? Sump filtration will not be good for plants. It dissapates your CO2 to quickly. What are you dosing for plants? Have you already got a spare tank for a sump or a set-up?

 

How strong is the Dolphin? You generally want a filter that can cycle the water in the tank 3 to 4 times per hour depending on stock levels etc.

I've got a 240litre with 2x ViaAqua (800 l/h) internal power filters which equals 1600 l/h. So it cycles the water 7 to 8 times. I do have quite a high stock in the tank...

 

Are there any threads of you building the DIY canister, I'm really interested.

 

Look at the Sun Sun canister filter... Very nice

 

Take a look at Seachems website, there is a very well written article in pdf form 'A primer aquarium filtration' which gives a lot of information. It explains things like re circulation (mixing of filtered water from the filter back into un filtered water) and related efficiencies. It throws a light on why it is often suggested to 'turn over' water through a filter at least 3 to 5 times, as mathematically speaking for the whole tank to pass through the filter once in a given time, given that the filtered water is pumped back and mixed with the total water column, the whole volume needs to pass through the filter 4.6 times, and that assumes the filter is capable of removing 100% of an impurity on just 1 pass, which is not likely to be the case. The 4.6 times would relate to mechanical filtration, removing debris/impurities from the water, which is what cannister filters do really well. Biological filtration has as many variables to consider and often works best in an entirely different type of filter(consensus often being a sump type) So its not as cut and dried as selecting a model and make of filter and off you go, which often results in a compromise. Good article to read as a start

 

Hi Good_Times Unfortunately no thread on the DIY canister. I built it seven years ago, well before I joined any forums. They're pretty simple to do though. Mine has been filtering this;

For the past 7 years without any problems:
I can PM you some plans that I based mine on if you want! I made mine with a 25 litre capacity and have a 1800l/hr pump on it. The barrel pond is 110 litres.:rock::rock:

 

@Barry.M Where can I buy these?

Sorry for Hi-Jacking Thread.

 

+1 @Barry.M where to buy those?? I also want

 

Sorry can't seem to open you're attachment, I would love to see some plans.
I have a 95L I want to set up hopefully this spring, and I wanted to build a sump, but I think this sounds way better and cooler.

I've seen other people attempt DIY canisters on the net, but eventually it starts leaking due to vacuum and or pressure being created inside the canister.

Mhmm 1800l/h on a 110L, sounds a bit hectic :wink:.

 

the best to prevent a leak is to use, windscreen silicone. try and source from glass shop..... just my 2c

 

Thanks Rickus.
Is it safe for fish, and what makes it better than just normal marine silicone?

 

Hi guys. Your local pet shop should be able to get the in line heaters for you as they are a Jebo product. As far as I know, Jebo are the only people bringing them in at the moment and only the 300watt version!

I'll try posting the pic again tonight. For some reason, it didn't upload! (I probably did it wrong or need to resize it)

Yeah, the flow rate does seem a bit high, but that's just me. I've always prefered to over-filter my tanks then to just do the min requirement. I also always try for large filter capacity. I find that I have extremely good efficiency, ultra clean water, (I still do 30 to 40 parcent water changes per week) and have never had any detrimental or adverse effects to my fish or plants.
Just remember that this is my way and it does work for me. It may not be everyones cup of tea though.

Regarding leaks etc on DIY filters, 90 percent of success is in your preparation, always use the best materials you can afford and DON'T rush things. Make sure your mating surfaces are smooth, ultra clean and that any glue used is correct for the application! rubber seals must be the correct size and fit correctly, also they must be rated correctly for the intended usage. I've never approached DIY as a money saver, because more often, it isn't! For example, I'm busy building a new pico tank for an international aquascape comp. The tank may not be bigger than 6 liters! So far, it has cost R600 on diy. This includes the tank, the base, (to house the filter, heater and electrics) the light, diy pico filter, substrate, tank decor fish and plants. I'm still not done.
It's more about the challenge and ensuring that as well as asthetically pleasing, any livestock must not only be happy, but thrive!


Sent from my iPhone using 100% recycled words!

 

Just make sure that the windscreen silicone has NO anti mould or anti fungus additives in it, otherwise you'll kill your fish, marine silicone is still the purpose made stuff. Just remember it doesn't bond with certain plastics... Again, don't skimp. Always research the product you're using and use the appropriate bonding method. The manufacturer will have spec sheets available. Don't be afraid to ask your supplier for the product help line or tech data.


Sent from my iPhone using 100% recycled words!

 

here's that pic that wouldn't upload last night. the canister sits behind the barrel in that little house thing and the pump is in the pond.

 

Interesting, thought you put the pump inside the canister.

Those plants must help alot too.

 

You can do either. I've done it both ways before. I found that for the pond, the pump in the pond was better than in the canister, as I wanted a full 25 liters of biomedia in the canister for filtration. It just depends on the application. Amano, from ADA makes his canisters totally out of stainless steel, with an external pump, bolted onto the canister top! like so:
Others, like Dolphin, Tetra tec, Enheim situate the pump inside, as part of the canister lid. I suppose you could really put the thing anywhere, just depends on space and aesthetics, convenience, etc. As I had a nice hollow rock, and wanted max media space, I chose to sepperate the pump completely. This also allows me to do any servicing on said pump without having to dismantle the canister. I've replaced the pump impeller once and was able to hook up a temp pump to continue filtration while I did the replacement!

 

I used the silicone on the outside of my filter. It is better because windscreen silicone is waterproof and strong, cars can do 200km/h + and now wind noise.

Just my opinion and it worked for me.

 

Hi all

There is this Canadian guy that has a web site DIYfishkeepers have a look at his DIY canister it is real easy and very cost effective and can be run by a power head that uses a lot less power than a pond pump all you need to do is mount it level with your tank and the beautie of it is you can make it as big as you need it. This guy has a hole range of DIY stuff specifically just for us!!!!!!

Regards

Jason