Filtration Ideas for 55gal Cube Tank - Page 2

nanotrey · 02-18-2005, 08:47 AM

Here is what I've come up with after some thinking.
It is a 2" pipe with 1" plumbed inside. the 1" is the over flow and the 2" is the return. I've already built a prototype unit that I will take pictures of when I get a chance. The diagram is pretty good, at the bottom is a 2" Tee that has a 1" elbow and is bushed down on both sides. The return will have and approx volume of 1-1/4" pipe. Let me know what ya'll think and what size pump it would take.

Thanks,
TRey

Matt Rogers · 02-19-2005, 11:31 AM

Trey that sure is original.
My fear is that it would require a helluva pump to get flow out all the way through the pipe. Otherwise it will just go through the path of least resistance - the bottom. Plus you'd need a checkvalve for sure as you have major drainage potential when the pump is off.

Still might work, but seems harder, less stable, and requires a bigger pump than other designs.

Blade_Runner · 02-19-2005, 08:38 PM

I'd be worried about getting a good seal where the 1" overflow exits the 2" return. I really don't see how you would make it stable. Maintainance will also be a pain, especially with a leaky joint. Ball valves will be useless. I guess I'm with Matt on this. IMO, don't over engineer it. I'd go with a 1" return and a 1.5" overflow pipe next to each other and be done with it.

It is a neat idea, I'd just be concerned that it will bite you.

nanotrey · 02-20-2005, 01:53 PM

There will be two check valves on the return just below the tank. The idea was to have only one hole in the bottom of the tank. The prototype unit is water tight and real stable. I glued it up this week end and put an air valve on it. It's been holding 50 psi for about 24 hours now. It took me about an hour to build and cost only about $8 in materials. I plan on leaving it pressured up for atleast a week and then I'll water test it with the check valves in place at about 30psi, only then will I begin to think about drilling any holes in the tank. I've estimated a pump with between 900-1200 gph should the job.

Well if it works it will put everything but the lighting below the tank and out of site in the cabinet. If it doesn't work I go back to a Two hole system.

As always thanks for your imput, it helps to have more than half a brain thinking things out.

Blade_Runner · 02-21-2005, 05:02 PM

Cool, you are better at gluing than me!

Good luck!

nanotrey · 02-27-2005, 04:13 PM

does anyone have a good diagram of a two pipe setup?

tks,
Trey