outlaw

I know I've seen a post here about it but now I can't find it.

Anyways, I have a 1000-1400GPH pump that is just collecting dust and I want to put my money to work. lol I want to replace my Odyssea canister filter on this tank or have it work with this one. Currently I have under gravel jets powered by a 250GPH pump which is barely enough for the 4 ports I have in there. I had 6 but the pump wasn't enough. I bought the pump above for it (coulda swore it said variable on it) and it will actually spray water a good 2ft into the air.

Objective: Build a Canister filter with quick connect fittings for cleaning.

Obstacles: Budget is an issue. No set value, but lower is better (will spend more for quality though). Space, must fit in cabinet or look nice next to it.

here is a pic of the pump


heres the pump with the jets in the tub


I couldn't find a lot on it spec wise while here at work. I think its about 8-10" long (with sponge filter) and about 3-4" wide. It probably weighs about 3lbs..ish. Found online its max push height is 13' (just incase I want a waterfall. lol)

Looking for recomendations on what to use for this. I was thinking at first something like a 5 gallon bucket with cover. then drill some holes in the cover to place the plumbing. BTW, the pump has 1" OD barbs. What else would have a cover, look nice but be strong enough for the pressure/suction this thing is going to produce? Hopefully I have enough details, please ask away if needed.

Any help and advice is appreciated.

GreenMan13

I don't think a 5 gallon bucket would work without sealing the top completely. Even with a lid on mine, if i turn it sideways it will leak so if you add pressure to it im sure it will leak. You need something with a rubber gasket or threads or both. You could try large diameter PVC. I think that would be your best bet since you can get a screw cap that can probably hold the seal by it self be if it doesn't you can add teflon tap to fully seal it and still be able to open and close it. PVC is what most DIY skimmers are made out of so i would think it would work for a canister filter too.

sirdarksol

The number one obstacle you're going to encounter is pressure. HOB filters, sumps, and the like operate passively. The water builds up behind the media and gravity carries it through.
On the other hand, canister filters force water through the media. This means that the entire system is pressurized. I'm not positive, but I think that there's more to pressure than a high GPH. It's one thing to pump a thousand gallons per hour into or out of a sump. It's an entirely different thing to force that water through a space while it's trying to force back. Essentially, you're creating an artificially high "head" for the pump.

I'm not saying it can't be done, just something to think about. Also, be sure everything is very carefully sealed and reinforced, and test it outside before running it inside.

outlaw

Thanks guys, and that is why I am asking for all your input. The 5gal bucket came to mind first because I remembered we have one sitting on our porch. I will probably have to go to the hardware store and see what they have for containers that would hold water and pressure. With the canister filter we currently have, you can tell its under pressure. If you close the valves and open it, you get the "psshhh" sound that there was a pressure build up in it.

Just trying to see what other people might recommend for a container or if they've done it before. I only mentioned the output because if it wasn't strong enough to begin with, it would be a waste of time and money to even try it.

Thanks again.

Bishop169

I have a small pool filter (never used) i got at walmart with one of those large inflatable pools

Its a canister and I've been staring at it wondering how i could retro fit it to make it into a fishtank filter

I know you can buy one of these new at walmart for low money its a pressure fit and it has its own pump kind of loud though

any way I would go with a large pvc that way you can use both ends of the pipe one side for in the other for out and this way you dont have to worry if the water is moving through the media or not

soldieroffortune1974

outlaw did you get the supplies and info you needed?

outlaw

Unfortunetly no I did not get the supplies. I did get the answers though. I will probably just look into doing a sump type filtration so I don't have to worry about sealing something and risking a blow out. After playing around with the pump some more, it was just too loud to be installed under the tank in the dining room. Maybe if we are able to get a house with a rec-room or build a rec-room and I am able to get the tank I want, I can put this behind the wall in a utility room.

soldieroffortune1974

The only 3 place you need to worry about a blow out is 1) the inlet 2) the outlet 3) the lid. Those can be easily taken care of to guarantee a tight seal,that wont blow out.

All you need to do is build a bulkhead for the inlet and outlet with a rubber gasket or commercial grade silicone. The lid,with threads,can be sealed using a rubber gasket or rubber weather stripping that goes around doors and windows.

I build my own canister filters,and it is a lot easier than someone might think. The pressure build up wont be a problem as long as the water flow in= the water flow out. If you have water coming in faster than the pump can spit it out,that's where the problems come in. That pump you want to use,would do the trick,to keep the pressure down.

If you need info on how to make a bulk-head,let me know,and I will explain it.

Matt

You must be very intelligent To Make a canister filter yourself.

I wouldnt try doing it. LOL.

My grandpa has made countless canisters and i will ask him how if you like?


From Matt

soldieroffortune1974

matt I would be interested in knowing how he does it and what type of design,pump,container,hose,sealant,media,etc,etc.

Red1313

What do think about this DIY mini canister?

This may not have been the thread you were looking for but it might give you some idea's.

soldieroffortune1974

Red1313 I have already seen that article,I was interested in how matt's grandfather made canister filters. I am always on the lookout to improve my existing designs and add knowledge to my database. I like seeing how different people do the same thing,but in different and unique ways.

Red1313

my bad.
I was posting to outlaws first post saying he couldn't find the article. lol. It sounds like he's changed his plans but I thought that if anyone came along to reference this thread later they might find the link helpful.