ingredients for a DIY canister filter and got started. Please feel free to
chime in and offer suggestions.
These are the parts: air-proof and water-proof container (called Lock&Lock
here, 4 liters capacity), 1100 liters/hour powerhead, some hoses, some
pipe work parts that I don't know the names, sealant. Total cost is about
US$ 30.
I drilled holes just large enough to fit the screw thingy. Rubber seal is
very important to keep water in the canister.
Different from the idea I had in drawing, I decided to put the outlet at the
bottom of the canister to maximize available space for media. Here's what
it looks like:
Then I carefully connect the powerhead to the outlet.
Need to seal the powercord outlet with some sealant. I also installed a
switch so I can cut off electricity to the powerhead easier.
The sealant at the powercord outlet wasn't good enough. Water leaked out
even when there's no pressure. Solution: I used some rubber tube to fill
the whole drilled hole, then applied sealant liberally inside and outside the
canister.
Remember to put on some thread sealer before attaching the hoses.
The inlet at the top lid was leaking. I made sure that the rubber seal is
good. So, I added another rubber seal and put on thread sealer to make
sure there isn't any gap that water can escape from.
If I put the canister on the ground, the pressure is too great that water
spurts out from the lid. This doesn't happen if the top of the canister is at
the same height as the bottom of the tank. Need to find a good balance
for good suction in the tank while the pressure in the canister isn't too great.
Here's the completed project. So far, it's doing its job well. I have clear
water with less debris. I don't have water test kit, so I'm not sure about
the chemical properties. However, the tank inhabitants are doing well, so
I'm not worried.
And here's the output. I think ChrisBarnett built one like this. I copied
the idea (thanks Chris!)
Inputs and suggestions are welcome. Thanks for reading
