Giant Bio Filter

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henningc

AC Members
May 11, 2013
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I've watched several YouTube videos on how to make a canister filter using lava rock and a 5gal bucket. I am too cheap to buy the water pump and vacum seal lid, so I decided to make a giant bio filter, like a sponge, using 2lb plastic coffee can, lava rock, PVC and a bulkhead.

The coffee can is 9" tall. I drilled three rings of diameter holes close to the bottom for water intake. I then drilled 4 heightwise lines of holes in a 7" section of PVC. I cut a hole in the lid and installed a bulkhead with rubber washers on both sides. I put the drilled pipe into the bulkhead pointing down and ran airline through it. I then rinsed and filled the can with lava rock and forced the drilled pipe to the bottom of the can-Not an exact fit. I then snapped on the lid and put a 5" piece of PVC pipe in the top of the bulkhead pointing up. I sank it in a stock tank and turned on the air. So far it seems to be working fine and the water readings are demonstrating biological filtration as the numbers are coming into line. I did cheat and used Stability for 5 days.

Opinions please
 

SnakeIce

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May 4, 2002
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North Ga, USA
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Air driven sponge filters are similar and often used in fish rooms because of their compatibility with fry. What you did is a little more complicated but will provide biofiltration but may be slightly less efficient as a mechanical filter than a sponge filter would be.
 
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henningc

AC Members
May 11, 2013
657
38
31
I've been using several of these and they work better than to be expected. I also found a rubbermade cookie container approximately 7" tall with good diameter that can be used' Here are photos of the build. Steps: Cut hole in center lid-put bulkhead with rubber washer through top-screw in nut with rubber washer on bottom or inside can- drill PVC- drill 2 rows of holes around bottom of can- hold PVC in can - rinse and fill with lava rock-connect PVC to nut and push lid on. Run airline to bottom-DONEInside washer and nut.jpg Inside Lift Tube.jpg Ready to assemble.jpg
 
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