Home brew no pressure Bead filter part 1

[jack@badflas]

I've updated my bead filter system and have back-fit it to all my sumps. The change in water clarity is astonishing. You'd think I was using a Diatom filter.

Here is how my latest system is made. First I get some stacking containers. I got mine from Walmart for $4 each
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110013.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110015.jpg

I use 3 with stand-off made of PVC pipe cut to about 5". The bottom one has nothing in it but stand-offs. Holes are cut in the side to let water out. The stand-offs keep most of the next level out of the water in the sump.

The next ones have holes in the bottom like this:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110010.jpg
Hole size is not critical, but should be at least 1" but maintain support.

The one closest to the bottom is filled with plastic scrubby pads I got for the dollar store. Takes about 20 pads, so it sets you back $4 for enough to act as the main bio-filter. The stand-offs keep the top bin from smashing the pads flat.

The top level I cover with plastic craft cloth I bought at the craft store for $1 each:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110017.jpg

I cut it to fit the bottom of the container:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110018.jpg

Continued...

[jack@badflas]

Next it is glued in place:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110019.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110021.jpg

I used special weights to hold it down while the sealant cured.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110023.jpg
Drink the beer well in advance, or you might not get it quite right or end up glued inside :rolleyes:

After it dried I filled it with about 3" of permabeads, which are used in bead filters:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA110024.jpg

I then cut another piece of craft cloth to cover the beads. This keeps the beads from getting blasted around by the water. Here is what it looks like in service:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/badflash/stuff/PA140027.jpg

When the filter gets clogged it will overflow into the sump. You can then remove the top peice of craft cloth and gently agitate the top half inch of beads. This will allow a few more days of operation before cleaning.

I also added a 1" bulkhead fitting towards the top with an elbow and drain pipe to direct the overflow directly to the sump to prevent splashing.

To clean just remove the top section, bring it to a deep sink, and rinse carefully with flowing water while agitating the beads. You'll know when its clean. It only tanks a minute, then you can put it back.

[Jackalope]

Jack, I like homemade things, and this filter is something I could accomplish - two questions ....
1) Is this filter to remove the solids from your fish tank?
2) where do you find "perma beads", at the crafe store? If you have to go to a hydro store, there are none in Billings, so I'll need to order them online. Thanks

[jack@badflas]

Yes, this is just for solids removal. I got my beads from http://www.integrated-aqua.com/Permabead.asp

These are sold as replacements for sand in a sand filter. The beads are heavier than water. Aquatic Eco Systems also sells them. http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/1770/Sinking-Beads/beads/0

Right now I'm following up a lead that you can used injection mold feed stock beads. They come in both floating and sinking versions.

[Ravnis]

Interesting , the picture at aquaticeco looks like nylon pellets I use to use when I injection molded nylon a few years ago. The permabeads looked an awful lot like polyethylene beads. Of course if they have a special shape to them that might be a big difference as feed stock is rarely uniform. But they do have a good dust capturing quality as that is how you color plastic, you put colored dust on it and then melt and mix it.

[jack@badflas]

Could be. I've been searching for a source of plastic feedstock. Oddly, the companies I've found so far that certify their beads for fish filters want more than the stuff I can buy from aquaculture companies.

This is a one time investment as the beads last forever, so saving a few bucks is not all that important.

If you put these in a sand filter, they provide significant bio filtrations as well. The only down side I've seen is that they need to be backflushed frequently. You get a crust otherwise and you blow out a bunch of bead with the backwash. A BIG bunch.

In my non-pressurized filters I set them atop of a separate bio filter made of bio balls or plastic scrubby pads.

[Jackalope]

Yes, this is just for solids removal. I got my beads from http://www.integrated-aqua.com/Permabead.asp

These are sold as replacements for sand in a sand filter. The beads are heavier than water. Aquatic Eco Systems also sells them. http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/1770/Sinking-Beads/beads/0

Right now I'm following up a lead that you can used injection mold feed stock beads. They come in both floating and sinking versions.

They're kinda spendy at $2.00 per pound, but if they never wear out ............... ;)

[organicusrex]

The idea of designing one from everyday items is great. I have one question; roughly, how many gallons of water are filtered between cleanings?

I would imagine this filter works nicely in conjunction with a floating raft AP system similar to the one Murray just put together.