Hi all, I’m thinking to build my own Under Gravel Filter from a post I saw in one of the Web Forums. Check the pics. I would like to know what you all think about this.

I tried to use those canisters for a filter and you have to make sure you get the LARGEST ones you can get, they flow on the standard size sucks. I drilled mine out and helped but still was pretty crummy. Flowerhorns like most cichlids are diggers so dont know if that would cause a problems if they exposed the jets in some areas. May want to lay pipe, rock, eggcrate then more rock and that may prevent that.

Cool setup, where was this posted?

Undergravel filter? Do anyone still use this stuff. Most filters nowadays already have three stage filtration. What you get from undergravel filtets (beneficial bacteria) can now be provided by this filters. Much more dependable and much more easier to maintain.

This is the one not to use, the cheap one, with the pump, pipe filters your looking at what a canister would cost not to mention beer

http://www.geappliances.com/smartwater/model_fs.htm?GXWH04F



This post has been edited by danz: Mar 26 2008, 11:24 PM

The problem with that flow direction is, you're gonna need to clean the filters all the time.
Holes too big will get it clogged up with gravel.
Holes too small is going to get clogged up with poo.
But your water is going to be super clean.
You ever consider having the flow the other way around?

Well Danz, I found this in the DIY section of WWW.SIMPLYDISCUS.COM. I did some research in the NET and came out with this
http://www.filtersfast.com/Pentek-150558-F...r-Housing.asps:

I liked the eggcate idea over the PVC them river rocks and gravel on top. Even if you vacuum the gravel twice a month your tank will end up with a layer of waste matter under the gravel over a period of time. With this design and a good pump you will suck all this waste matter and filtered before is causing a problem in your tank. (NITRATE pike). About the size of the holes on PVC I think 1/8" is more thank enough. Not big enough for gravel and pup to clogged.

Good stuff bros. Thanks.

very good idea, Bro.

Thats why I like sand, turds on top, you have to clean more but the end result is a better tank in my eyes. What type of pressure loss you getting with all these holes? Looks like they just have a powerhead hooked up and with that many holes and 90's thats going to be hard on it and may be crappy water flow. I guess I would need to see it in action but from my little test I dont think its worth the money.

too much maintenance for me great idea for 1 fish and a small tank bot for heavy loads maybe no good and expensive too the cartrigesare pricy

I really don't know about pressure loss but I think with a good "EXTERNAL PUMP" to draw the water throught the household canisters will be enough. From experience I can tell you that even though I have 2 Fluval 404 running on my 150g, plus and Emperor 400; I needed to move the tank from one apt. to another; when I removed the gravel it was a layer of dust like matter at the bottom of the tank.

It is true that this could cost a little bit but IMO is worthwhile in benefit of the fish and I belief that it will help you with the quality of your water. On the other hand, how much the Canister Filters cost; I paid $149.99 ea for the Fluvals plus $46.00 for the Emperor (without the media) and I still have to be cleaning often and I bet you that even doing the vacuum with the Python Gravel Cleaner you won't be able to picked-up everyhing in and below the gravel.

Is just a thought.

This post has been edited by Gilbert: Mar 27 2008, 03:52 PM

Here was my HOB canister I made and due to the flow issues I tried not to use an 90s and the even drilling out the intake the output sucked If you do with this project get the large ones.

I saw a very large GE HOB canister (@ 20") at HOME DEPOT for $65.00 but I think it's worthwile anyway I'll double check.

Talking abouth this project, what size pump (Flow Rate/GPH) do you think is better. I'm thinking about 1000 to 1500 GPH, they go about $150.00 to $250.00.

People may think that I'm crazy 'cause the whole project will go around $500.00 but hey some people spend hundreds or thousands in this hobby, don't you think?

You also have to think about the cost to run that pump every month, a Quietone 5000 1350gph pump is 110W while a 3000 at 780gph is 40W. Just another wrench to throw into your operations

780gph will be good for a 60-75g with all the pressure loss, but not with a larger tank.

Hey Danz, what if I use an undergravel filter and attach a canister hoses like FLUVAL 404 to each end of the undergravel. Of course the canister will be mostly sponges and polishing pads to trap debri.