DIY 5 Gallon Bucket Canister Ideas

Hello! I'm upgrading from two 29 gallon tanks to a 65 gallon (36x18x24) we got on a deal from a box store. The 29s are goldfish tanks that I've been over-filtering with two 300GPH HOBs on each with customized media inside them (Seachem Matrix, Fluval Biomax, bioballs, sponges, etc.). After watching a video on this project from the King of DIY on YouTube, we've started picking up parts for making a DIY canister filter with a food-grade 5 gallon bucket. I'm wondering if anyone here has built something similar. From videos I've seen, these are really customizable so mostly I'm just looking for ideas. Right now we've got the bucket, a Gamma Seal lid, 2 half inch Uniseals, and an adjustable pump (up to 670GPH) that can work either in line or submersible. I'd like to have somewhat decent looking intake and output pipes, possibly with a spray bar, without having to pay a pretty penny. If anyone has pictures of a similar project they have done, I'd love to see them!

 

Hi, I just skimmed this post but I would suggest doing an inline setup so that you can clean the pump on its own schedule.

 

Hi, I just skimmed this post but I would suggest doing an inline setup so that you can clean the pump on its own schedule.

I like that idea as well. I originally got the pump since it could run submersible or in-line and we'd have the option to do either, but I think we will be running it in-line.

 

People seem to have problems with the gamma seal lids leaking. They are water tight but they seem too have problems when holding pressure.

 

People seem to have problems with the gamma seal lids leaking. They are water tight but they seem too have problems when holding pressure.

Yes I suggest you avoid those gamma seal lids. Here was my nightmare.



It has started slowly sucking air after my final post on that thread. The bucket eventually starts to implode. When its filled with water it leaks when under positive pressure from just the water trying to syphon naturally after shutting off the pump.

Thinking I will move on to a 6" diameter PVC tube that's around 4 feet long and simply stack my media bags in it. can't go wrong with that and a couple "flat" caps if I can find them. I'm afraid the convex shapes commonly found wouldn't allow for the bulkhead connections to seal properly.
eBottom line is its easy to spend more money doing it yourself than just buying a used one. The PVC tube will be my final attempt before using something like a used Del Rey 240. Hope I save you money and time. good luck