Sand Filters

[Beasts]

Does anyone out there have any experience using a sand filter (not an undergravel filter) in a planted aquarium? If so I would appreciate your comments and feedback. If anyone can refer me to articles or other sources I would also be thankful. My application would be a 410 gallon aquarium.
Beasts

 

[TimmyB42386]

Sand filter like a pool filter or like a Diatom filter?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i am thinking pool filter also. there are couple people on here that have one but not in a planted tank.

 

[Beasts]

Sand filter like a pool filter or like a Diatom filter?

Pool filter type with sand as the filter medium as opposed to cartridges, foam or bioballs.

 

[legendaryfrog]

I beleive they are called fluidized bed filters. I have one on my 720, and i would not recommend them for smaller tanks, as a large pump needs to drive them.

 

[Rex Grigg]

A FSB (fluidized sand bed) is not really needed on a planted tank. The primary purpose of the FSB is to break down harmful waste products (ammonia) into nitrate. They do this by having a massive surface area.

The plants in a planted tank serve the same purpose.

 

[Rallysman]

I beleive they are called fluidized bed filters. I have one on my 720, and i would not recommend them for smaller tanks, as a large pump needs to drive them.

What would you call the limit? I'm in the process of a DIY for my 300.

 

[loaches r cool]

FSB filters usually require less flow, most diagrams I have seen involve a T infront of the FSB to reduce the flow. Pentairs smallest FSB is rated up to 300G, so I probably would opt for the larger one on a 300.

http://www.pentairaquatics.com/products/detail/fluidized_bed.html

A couple quotes from thier site:

"The Lifeguard Fluidized Bed Filter is most effective at low flow rates. Lower flow rates increase the contact time between the bacteria and the toxic ammonia and nitrite compounds that they utilize."

They also recommend installing a bypass valve and tee ahead of the FSB which will divert only a portion of the water through the FSB. Of course though, 'low' is relative .

I dont know myself but have heard they are about the best bio filters, but as Rex said the demand for bio filtration is much less on a heavily planted tank. There are some who dont even include bio on thier heavily planted tanks.