Rimless 75 gallon - close loop filter - Page 4 - General Aquarium Plants Discussions

AaronT · 04-18-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helgymatt

Quote from Tom Barr...

Helgymatt,

OC says to run it in from the top out the bottom for the canisters.
Other makers suggest the same thing on larger system.

I suppose you can run them in reverse, there's no truly good reason that it cannot be done. But the pleated side allows more detritus in there on the outside where you can see the filth, you cannot see it if you pump water through the bottom to the outside.

I like mechanical filtration, then chem/bio. The backwards method suggest the opposite.

But there's still no real reason why it would not work.

As far as plumbing goes, having a valve and loop to run the filter in reverse can help you a lot by backwashing it.

But the OC's have a drain garden hose connections for this purpose, so hook that up and back wash when you do the water changes every week or two.

I just keep a spare mechanical pleated cartiage around, and bleach the old one for 1-2 days and dechlor to clean them really good after I've run out of back washing options.

Regards,
Tom Barr

That does make sense. I'll reverse it when I get the time.

helgymatt · 04-20-2008, 07:14 AM

I started and finished my stand for this tank this week. I really like how it turned out. I followed plans layed out in this thread on plantedtank.net - http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/di...opy-build.html. I used the idea for the main frame for the stand using 2x4's with the top and lower shelf being 3/4" sanded plywood. I didn't use the "floaters" described in those plans becasue I don't understand their purpose?!?! Maybe they make it easier to build...it was a sinch for me without them. I just toe screwed my verticle boards into the top and bottom frames. I then sheeted the front and sides in 1/4" oak plywood and the back with hardboard. I then added the 1x4 oak trim on the top and bottom and routed the edges with a 1/8" rounding bit. Finally, I added some corner molding on the corners to cover up the nail holes and the not so nice plywood edges. I got the pre-made doors at Menards (@ $16 each) and added the hide-away hinges. I didn't have the tools to make my own doors so for $16 each I couldn't pass them up. In the end I wish they were a bit bigger, but they work just fine. Then,the stain and three coats of minwax polyacryclic. This is a water-based fast drying poly that my brother had left over from a project and it worked pretty well.

I drilled the holes for my bulkheads.

I have some 3/4" locline that will direct water in two directions from the outflow and I also have a inake screen (not pictured).

After cleaning up the silicone on the tank, it looks very nice.

Once my old tank is gone in a few days this thing is being set-up, but not with plants for a few months. I know, it sucks for me to!

hooha · 04-20-2008, 07:42 AM

very nice setup, very nice stand. You think you can build one for me and deliver it to PA?

helgymatt · 04-20-2008, 07:51 AM

For a nice fee!

Thanks for the nice comments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooha

very nice setup, very nice stand. You think you can build one for me and deliver it to PA?

hoppycalif · 04-20-2008, 08:38 AM

That is a beautiful stand, much better than most that I see in LFS. How did you drill the holes for the door hinges? They have to be accurate, so a hand drill doesn't seem to be a way to do it.

The tank looks very good now, so Glasscages is a good source for that type tank, if you are willing to do the clean up work?

helgymatt · 04-20-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppycalif

That is a beautiful stand, much better than most that I see in LFS. How did you drill the holes for the door hinges? They have to be accurate, so a hand drill doesn't seem to be a way to do it.

The tank looks very good now, so Glasscages is a good source for that type tank, if you are willing to do the clean up work?

There is a kit to buy for boring those holes. It includes a piece that markes out where to center your bit and then it also includes the right size boring bit. It was really slick and cost about $10. You have to be very carefull not to drill all the way through the wood. My holes must have been very close to that point.

I would agree that glasscages is a good source, but will require some clean up as you said and if you can deal with their less than accomidating and professional customer service.

Funny thing with the right door....I couldn't get it to stain as dark as the rest of the stand. I think a little variation looks OK though.

Tex Gal · 04-20-2008, 09:27 AM

What a wonderful job! I think you could give up your day job!

Can't wait to see the tank up and running.

helgymatt · 04-20-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tex Gal

What a wonderful job! I think you could give up your day job!

Can't wait to see the tank up and running.

Thanks! And you're not the first person to tell me to quite my day job, but then when I show them whats growing in my tank, they still agree that I should stick with being a horticulturalist.

Tex Gal · 04-20-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helgymatt

Thanks! And you're not the first person to tell me to quite my day job, but then when I show them whats growing in my tank, they still agree that I should stick with being a horticulturalist.

Well now I know why your tanks look so good... you are a horticulturalist! (Is that cheating?....

)

hoppycalif · 04-20-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helgymatt

There is a kit to buy for boring those holes. It includes a piece that markes out where to center your bit and then it also includes the right size boring bit. It was really slick and cost about $10. You have to be very carefull not to drill all the way through the wood. My holes must have been very close to that point.

I would agree that glasscages is a good source, but will require some clean up as you said and if you can deal with their less than accomidating and professional customer service.

Funny thing with the right door....I couldn't get it to stain as dark as the rest of the stand. I think a little variation looks OK though.

I have seen those kits on the Rockler website, but I always figure I shouldn't spend that money just to drill two holes. Apparently it is worth it, judging by your success. Thank you!