Jobney's system log

[jobney]

Since I'm moving into the final design and build phase I figured it was time to start recording my progress. I have already acquired two 55 gallon barrels with removable lids and nice metal ring latches. One for a swirl filter and one as a rain barrel. $35 each. Used for fruit punch so they are very clean. I've been using SketchUp a little to help with layout. I'll attach a picture of the Sump/biofilter and brush filter totes. Two 20 gallon RM Brute totes. Note I did not bother to create accurate totes in SketchUp only dimensional stand-ins. Don't worry. I plan on devising a method for keeping bubbles out of the pump.

[Pugo]

Looking good. Just an idea but maybe you can put the exit from the brush filter at the top of the water line and put the entrance to the bio filter at the bottom. Forcing the water to pass through all the media prior to exiting to the pump area.. But just an idea that may be over kill on my part.

[jobney]

I should have labeled it better. That is a moving bed biofilter not a poorly designed trickle filter. I figured any water coming in would hit the vertical flow from the bubbles and be sufficiently mixed. I hope to build my own aerator from drilled pvc. I have thought of moving the tote connector lower to get better flow through the brush filter. I may also need two large micron socks on the entrance of the water into the biofilter if the brush filters don't cut it. My planed hydroponic component is NFT so I need total solids removal.
Other notes. I'm using the rubbermaid totes as they are thick and durable but they have air vents in their handles. So of the 15 inches of total height I estimate only 11 or 12 inches of water depth. The brushes are also 13 inches not including the ring arms for the hangers. The brushes will be angled in the tote to fit unless I shorten them. Tote image.

Looking good. Just an idea but maybe you can put the exit from the brush filter at the top of the water line and put the entrance to the bio filter at the bottom. Forcing the water to pass through all the media prior to exiting to the pump area.. But just an idea that may be over kill on my part.

[Pugo]

I believe the the brushes will do the job I really don't think you will need filter socks, the reason I mentioned the water going through the lower end was to insure that the water had to go through all the media to get to the outlet. I know it should be well processed the way you have it but, it is just the way I would do it. The long the water is in the media the better off you will be. I know all my filtration will run that way.

[jobney]

Swirl Filter with pond style solids drain.
I'll provide the 55 gallon barrel SketchUp file if anyone needs it. I can put a lid on it too if need be.

[Pugo]

Jobney,
You are getting good at this sketchUp stuff.. Good job!

[jobney]

Full layout next to my house. Pipes color coded to make it easier to see where they go. Note: I did not make pipe joints for external connections due to time constraints. I just placed them next to each other.
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[jobney]

External links if the APHQ server is too slow.

[Pugo]

Absolutely a gorgeous design. Jobney.. kudos

[jobney]

I went pricing some parts today. 2" PVC ball valves are about $15 each.

For that much I'm thinking threaded type for guaranteed reconfiguration. I can use slip but would go glueless at that price. With threaded I would have to buy the slip/threaded end adapters though. I've not worked with threaded pvc and can already predict an issue of when you rotate a threaded pipe or fitting the other end also rotates. Maybe I should just stick with slip.

Any thoughts from those that have worked with PVC?