DIY filter

I want to build a filter using some 4" PVC. As media I want to use in > polyester pillow stuffing > Purigen/RowaPhos > thinner layer of polyester pillow stuffing > out. Planning on running it in my sump. Any foreseeable issues with this set up?

Thanks

 

Bump for the DIY group.

Question: You're looking to add mechanical filtration, as in, just something to remove suspended particles? What about a sock?

Welcome to 3reef.

 

Thanks

I had read that alot of people find cleaning out filter socks are a pain. As for mechanical filtration thats not my main goal, my main was just to keep any chunks that get sucked into the pump from clogging up the Purigen/RowaPhos, and the stuffing at the end is to keep the any bits that might break free from their containment bags from entering the aquarium.

 

Cleaning filter socks is simple, throw it in the washing machine and have it on 2 rinse cycle. Mine comes out looking brand new every time.

 

seeing I have recently ( starting almost 6 months ago) done the DIY filter thing. I'll post my observations and findings....out of the gate, I built a trickle filter.. using coarse, and fine filter material... over bio balls...it was great at keeping the water sparkling clean and converting ammonia..it also was great at holding nitrates.. phase 2 found me using coarse media and fine media eliminating the bio balls.. I found it too much work( and expense) for too little reward... phase 3... the filter material cost was adding up... I found a 100 micron polyester sock filter ( 4" X 7" Grainger # 1EUE1) that fits into a 3" sch. 40 pipe/sleeve was much easier to keep clean and does a better job... I was running a polishing pad in the 3rd chamber as well.. but concluded that it may be limiting copepods from my sump from entering my display tank tank and have since done away with it.. the water remains clear with no matter in suspension... now the water returned from the display runs through the sock as it enters the first chamber with the skimmer and pump for the 2 reactors then onto the refugium and eventually to the return chamber..my live rock does the rest. Now the nitrates are low...cost is low and water is clear......hope this helps..

 

Unless you're changing everthing out very often, I think something like the OP suggests tends to be a nitrate factory

 

The main two issues I see are:

1) While polyester may be perfectly safe, pillow stuffing is not designed for aquarium use and may contain residual contaminants that could pollute your tank and possibly even kill your pets. Aquarium filter fiber is still widely available and inexpensive.

2) The PVC won't allow you to monitor the condition of the filter media. Trapped particulate matter still breaks down and will begin dumping DOCs into your tank, increasing Nitrate production. I'd suggest using acrylic or another clear material so you can see when the media is beginning to get dirty.

 

I can do away with the pillow stuff, as the pump I ordered came with a foam pre-filter for the intake, mainly I just wanted to use this as a reactor of sorts for the purigen/rowaphos