Once the seam is full of solvent a slight pressure can be added until the solvent sets, but this isn�t always necessary. Here�s my setup to give you an idea. The water is pumped into the bottom of the filter, up through the media, and th… These aquarium filters usually do not come with an integral pump, so a separate water pump will need to be used. System water is pumped into a tower (usually an acrylic cylinder) where the aquarist’s choice of bio-media is then suspended in the current. Tool List: Be sure to get scrap acrylic with your order, or purchase extra so you can practice working with it. Just be sure to design your filter large enough to hold the bulkheads, and tall enough to allow good fluidization of the sand bed. Is it best used as a supplement yo your tanks filters? As far as maintanance goes, you may need to add sand periodically, just add it to the output line, it'll sink into the FBF. Part List: YOU MUST KEEP BLADE COOL WITH A WATER SPRAY BOTTLE when cutting, this is a good time for a helper. PVC Ball valve �� or �� MagDrive 5 or 7 pump, depending on filter size Entirely. It has a lot of surface area and the more you aggitate the media the better it works. The equipment works on a If you were going to use this as your main filtration then you obviously want to use a larger pump like 50gph or higher. But many I used a 1liter bottle, but for your tank you could use a 2liter if you wanted. When the sand is in motion (the �fluidized� state) it constantly removes bacteria during it�s collisions with other sand grains, this provides a replenishment of bacteria and the bacteria colony is able to expand very rapidly to increases (or decreases) in bio-load. FBFs� are highly efficient biological filters that have enormous bio-load capacities and take up very little space. Just a bottle, media, pre-filter sponge, and air pump. Now be sure to tighten down your bulkheads, using a large pipe wrench or welding clamp helps, you want these bulkheads pretty darn tight! A fluidized bed filter, sometimes called a "suspended particulate filter" or a "suspended sand filter," is a tube or box that hangs off the back of your fish tank, or a cylinder or canister which stands in your sump or on the floor beside or under your fish tank, and is connected to a water pump in the fish tank (or sump) to move water through the filter. I got the filter used from ebay for $25 including shipping and within 5 min of it being in my hands I broke the inlet check valve, DOOH so back to the net for new parts. I would recommend using a 100gph or higher air pump for your tank. Please share your project, ideas and pictures if you have any. If I understand the idea behind a fluidized bed filter, the media is supposed to flow up the center and back down the sides of the chamber in order to keep it from accumulating too much sediment/debris. Your design may vary, it all depends on the space you have, the size tank you�re filtering, etc. Hole-Saw w/ Drill adapter(size determined by bulkhead selected) PVC cement We have internal filters, external canister filters, running a sump, wet and dry trickle filters, diatom filters plus an old favorite with many people – the fluidized filter bed. I�d recommend going with �� PVC / fittings / bulkheads / valves, and a MagDrive 7 pump for tanks over 100 gallons. Just run the solvent, hold the piece until it stays firm, then allow to set up for about 30 minutes, then go to the next piece. The router bit is a great tool for smoothing the edges, even if the shop cut your plastic, you�ll still need to smooth the saw marks from the edge. Fluidized Bed Filters by Lifegard Aquatics. I�d recommend a minimum of 20� high and 6� square. DIY - Acrylic Fluidized Bed Filter (FBF) by Brad Newton (aka FeatherfinFan) Here�s a good project for those of you want to try your hand at Acrylic fabrication. Fluidized Bed Filter creating a thin film around the sand grains. A fluidized bed is a physical phenomenon occurring when a quantity of a solid particulate substance (usually present in a holding vessel) is placed under appropriate conditions to cause a solid/fluid mixture to behave as a fluid. Sack of Silica/Blasting sand 5 lb. As far as sizing your filter. Due to its unique shape, the Lifegard Fluidized Bed Filter is an extremely efficient, high capacity biological filter. bio media is supposed to build up a lot of beneficial bacteria. This is much more biological filtration than is req�d, but I always like to overbuild, plus, I like to have equipment in pairs in case one fails. It would seem that you need a bigger bottle and don't completely fill it. These filters provide biological filtration very similar to under gravel filters. PVC Check valve �� or �� The bigger the bubbles the more you aggitate the media, again, making it more efficient. Be sure not to scrape in one place too long, as this will result in a wavy edge. I built this small Fluidized Bed filter just to see how the K1 media does. The unit is a Lifeguard FB-300 fluidied bed filter BUT no sand is used and instead Seachem Purigen is used as the media. Sanding block (optional) A dude called Mark Rober on YouTube is showing people how to build their own fluidized air bed. I�d also recommend between 7-15 pounds of media depending on what it takes to get 1/3rd volume level. If I like it, I will use the K1 media in my 225g tank along with Activated Carbon, Ceramic Media, and Filter Floss. Nitrifying bacteria colonies grow on the surface of the particles of sand in the bed, and process ammonia and nitrite into nitrate as the water passes through the filter. Large pipe wrench or welding clamp If you need to cut the sheet, and you will if you go with ANY angled design such as mine (since the edges have to be angle cut where the top & bottom rest) you�ll have to get a hollow-ground blade for cutting laminates and clamp a straight edge to your sheet for accurate edges. Sand is the filters� media, and each particle of sand is the surface which the bacteria attach to. While all the talk of bio-media and fluidization may sound complex, fluidized bed filters are actually remarkably simple. Straight-Cut, Dual flute Router bit (no router req�d) Now measure your � or �� PVC down pipe (if your design is similar to mine and you need some elbows to center the pipe, be sure to allow for this now). The mechanics behind the FBFs are quite simple. The more you aggitate the media the more efficient it'll be. 2 threaded bulkheads �� or ��, depending on filter size Mark the location for the bulkheads, be sure to allow enough room to clear the bulkhead flange when installed. Disclaimer: By building this DIY project you agree not to hold the author or the owners of this Web site responsible for any injury or bodily harm you may cause to yourself or others. Syringe w/25 gauge needle Once you get your measurements, cut and glue pipe with PVC cement. Then connect the pump and it should flow just fine. Now, To The Project: Since each surface of each grain of sand is available for bacteria, the total surface area in pounds of sand in a FBF is enormous. Bio-Balls and Ceramic media are just as good, but this media is awesome for fluidized(moving) bed filters. When solvent seaming, the key is to keep minimal pressure on the joint, this allows the syringe to apply the solvent freely into the seam with minimal bubbling. Put a garden hose on the incoming line and turn the hose on full pressure, this will clear any clogged media in the tube and allow easy startup w/ your pump, the checkvalve will keep the media from clogging the line once you remove the garden hose. Once you get all your plumbing sized & cut, it's a good idea to pressurize your FBF prior to final installation. Having a tapered-bottom design also allows the sand to churn a bit better than a straight design. No matter whether the product was produced in the fluidized bed or a high-shear mixer, whether in batch or continuously: With fluidized bed drying, it must be ensured that drying always takes place in a thermodynamic equilibrium. Once you get all your pieces cut then the next step is smoothing the edges. do you have any advise or dos and don'ts anything would be appreciated! When ordering your acrylic, try and have the sheet cut to order, this will make your project much easier. This is much more biological filtration than is req�d, but I always like to overbuild, plus, I like to have equipment in pairs in case one fails. And DON'T use an air stone. Having a tapered-bottom design also allows the sand to churn a bit better than a straight design. For use in phosphate & nitrate removal. This K1 filter media is from Kaldnes in Europe originally, thus the name. Do not seam up project until you�re confident in your seaming skills. Just be sure to design your filter large enough to hold the bulkheads, and tall enough to allow good fluidization of the sand bed. © 2005-2019 Monsterfishkeepers.com. Working With Acrylic: assorted �� or �� MPT to hose adaper straight & �L� fittings i have done some research reading forms and watching YouTube videos. Once the sides are all seamed, make sure the bottom and top resting edges are all even and smooth, if not, get a large sanding block and some 200 grit wet-dri paper and wetsand the top and bottom until they�re smooth and square. Working With Acrylic: for the size and cost of this it is actually very effective once cycled. Aren't you going to get a lot of build up on the media,thus reducing the low filtering efficiency even more? Drill the proper size hole with your holesaw, but drill as follows: Drill only 1/8� into sheet, flip sheet over and drill rest of the hole, this will prevent splintering. It has become fairly popular in the Aquarium hobby so I figured I'd give it a try. RK2 Systems Fluidized Sand Filters utilize continually moving "porous sand" in a clear acrylic column to provide large de-nitrification capacity in a small footprint. All Rights Reserved. The following project is one of a pair of filters for my 190 gal tank (plus 95 gallon sump). These proven Bio filters have a distinct advantage over other types of Bio filters as 100 % of the media surface area is utilized in the de-nitrification process. A DIY fluidized sand bed filter for an aquarium. �� or �� MPT to PVC slip adapter Stainless steel hose clamps Allow for any length of pipe that will be inside any fittings and extend the down pipe to come to �� from the bottom of the filter if using �� PVC, and 3/8� from the botttom if using �� PVC. Bag of small �� aquarium gravel This is important, too much of a gap and you get poor flow or �channeling� in the sand bed, too little of a gap and you restrict your pump output. I used 3/8� thick sheet, but that�s ONLY because it�s some scrap I had lying around, �� thick is fine for this project. I built this small Fluidized Bed filter just to see how the K1 media does. It has become fairly popular in the Aquarium hobby so I figured I'd give it a try. Fluidized bed technology has been used in several fields since many years and it is one of the most popular one used in drying solid particles or granules. Teflon plumbing tape Once you get the holes drilled go ahead and LOOSELY install the bulkheads with the flange and rubber washer INSIDE the lid and the holding nut OUTSIDE the lid. Hi All It seem K1 media fluidized bed sump it's become a subject. You need to be competent at edge preparation and seaming in order to get good results, so practice is the key. For the pre-filter sponge, try to find one actually made for aquarium filters like an AquaClear sponge (which is what I used). Seam the four sides first, one at a time. Also try to use a larger bottle like a 1liter or bigger. Here�s a good project for those of you want to try your hand at Acrylic fabrication. Your internal fluidized bed filter is now complete so let hook it up to a tank, talk about how it works and also discuss pre cycling media.\r Once youve picked out a good spot for your filter and have attached it, fire up your air pump to start cycling the media. Hopefully they can cut it for you, otherwise a circular saw will work. The bigger the bottle the more media you can fit inside. Just run the router bit down the edge, scraping as you go, don�t gouge into the sheet, just scrape. When ordering your acrylic, try and have the sheet cut to order, this will make your project much easier. If you go with a straight square tube design you won�t have any tricky angle edge cuts, much better if you�re not experienced with cutting mitered lumber, etc. A fluidized bed filter is simply a container filled with water which has about 60% of the volume of the water filled with what is called “K1” filter media. I built this based on this video by UaruJoey(not sure what his MFK username is): Also I wanted to add that I am only using a 20gph Air Pump on this. I�d recommend a minimum of 20� high and 6� square. If there are some gaps, go quickly back and run another bead of solvent, only do this once, as repeated use of solvent will only weaken the seam. Do not seam up project until you�re confident in your seaming skills. Always wear safety glasses when working with tools and keep chemicals and power tools away from children. I�d recommend �� PVC / fittings / bulkheads / valves, and a MagDrive 5 for tanks under 100 gallons and between 3-7 pounds of media. Acrylic solvent cement such as WeldOn 4 Once the edges are smooth do a trial fitting, if there are no major gaps you�re ready to seam. But I like the idea behind this filter, the plastic media is probably similar in density to water so that it wouldn't take much flow in order to keep it in movement. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Most reputable shops will cut for free or a minimal charge. Be sure to get scrap acrylic with your order, or purchase extra so you can practice working with it. 55g Freshwater - Red Terror/Cichlasoma Festae (Breeding Tank). This is the technical name for a system that can turn solid sand into something akin to a fluid. Principle of the Fluidized Bed Dryer A vibratory conveyor is leading the tobacco in an even layer through two drying zones. diy pvc fluidized bed filter rainbowhow to diy pvc fluidized bed filter rainbow for You may be asking yourself if this is for 1 last update 2020/12/12 legal, and the answer is yes. Once you get a design together that will fit your application, then locate a acrylic supplier. YOU MUST COOL HOLESAW WITH SPRAY BOTTLE AS YOU DRILL, DRILL IN SHORT SPURTS AS SAW GETS VERY HOT AND WILL MELT INTO THE PLASTIC IF YOU DRILL TOO LONG! All solvent seams must be smooth and free of any gaps, otherwise, excess bubbling and weak seams will occur. All Rights Reserved. You want to only fill your FBF so it�s about 1/3rd full of media. When solvent seaming, the key is to keep minimal pressure on the joint, this allows the syringe to apply the solvent freely into the seam with minimal bubbling. PVC �� or �� Prepare The Top Piece: On this last picture, the check valve is to the left, right under the water level in the sump with the Mag 7 pump feeding into the check valve. check out some videos on K1. This is usually achieved by the introduction of pressurized fluid through the particulate medium. Seam the bottom piece. just to add some extra filtration. Practice will give you a good feel for proper seaming, and just keep trying until you�re happy with your results. And more I read about it, I'm convince to in a DIY K1 media sump. �� thick Acrylic Sheet (size to be determined by user) If there are some gaps, go quickly back and run another bead of solvent, only do this once, as repeated use of solvent will only weaken the seam. All of the above filters have their advantages and disadvantages but over them all, the fluidized bed filter makes a great secondary filter to use as a back up for your overall system. If I like it, I will use the K1 media in my 225g tank along with Activated Carbon, Ceramic Media, and Filter Floss. Now it�s time to fill with gravel & sand. FBFs� are highly efficient biological filters that have enormous bio-load capacities and take up very little space. Multi-Purpose Reactor Bio Fluidized Sand Bed Aquarium Filter Models: Two Little Fishies PhosBan 150 Media Reactor (Older TMC Models Discontinued by Manufacturer) Also Parts For Older Models & Silica/Oolitic Media, Optional Adapters Then thread your �� or �� MPT-PVC slip adapter into the incoming bulkhead with a couple wraps of teflon tape, and tighten �til snug. Also for use as a FSB Filter for high bio capacity filtration. In addition, fluidized bed drying provides controlled and uniform drying conditions compared to the uneven drying in trays. A FSB is a biological filter with a surface to volume ration of 1000:1. You must log in or register to reply here. If you have good seams you�ll be fine! Practice will give you a good feel for proper seaming, and just keep trying until you�re happy with your results. Circular Saw w/ laminate blade (only if using angled FBF design &/or shop can�t pre-cut Acrylic for you). Have fun with your project and let me know if you need more info. I used 3/8� thick sheet, but that�s ONLY because it�s some scrap I had lying around, �� thick is fine for this project. Straight-Cut, Dual flute Router bit (no router req�d), Hole-Saw w/ Drill adapter(size determined by bulkhead selected), Circular Saw w/ laminate blade (only if using angled FBF design &/or shop can�t pre-cut Acrylic for you), �� thick Acrylic Sheet (size to be determined by user), 2 threaded bulkheads �� or ��, depending on filter size, assorted �� or �� MPT to hose adaper straight & �L� fittings, MagDrive 5 or 7 pump, depending on filter size. Even though it's not the main filtration, you still want to have a high gph to aggitate the media more. Just wondering who here has one on there setup, or building. since I had to order the check valve I went ahead and got new O rings also. i am wanting to make one for my 125 gallon south/central cichlid tank. Your design may vary, it all depends on the space you have, the size tank you�re filtering, etc. The following project is one of a pair of filters for my 190 gal tank (plus 95 gallon sump). Use a funnel and pour the gravel, then sand into the output (non piped) bulkhead. Once you�ve got everything tight and the pipe is the proper length you can go ahead and seal the top. Once you get the media installed go ahead and do a trial fitting to your tank. You need to be competent at edge preparation and seaming in order to get good results, so practice is the key. Most reputable shops will cut for free or a minimal charge. the more bacteria, the more effecient. Or use a power head pump with a pre filter, Pond Under Construction, Going Big and doing it at home. Once the seam is full of solvent a slight pressure can be added until the solvent sets, but this isn�t always necessary. The principle is to direct water through a sand (or similar media) bed from below so that the sand becomes fluidized – behaves like a fluid. Water is pumped up through the unit lifting the sand into a “fluidized bed”. My filter is about 24� high, 12� wide at the top, 2.5� at the bottom, and 6� front-to-back. Everyone has their own preference though. The project that follows contains 15 pounds of media, it has the ability to handle very large (1500gallon) aquariums. Very informative, but how effective is this. I use 1 part gravel to 5 parts Silica sand, the gravel allows you to maintain higher flow in the filter with less chance of blowing out sand, it also keeps the sand from clumping together. All solvent seams must be smooth and free of any gaps, otherwise, excess bubbling and weak seams will occur. It would seem that you need a bigger bottle and do n't fill... Have any advise or dos and don'ts anything would be appreciated with gravel sand... Fluidized carpet thing that you have done some research reading forms and watching YouTube.... Is sealed and the pipe is the key preparation and seaming in to. Idea to pressurize your FBF so it�s about 1/3rd full of solvent a slight pressure can be added the. Be competent at edge preparation and seaming in order to get good,... Better it works filters� media, and air pump bit down the edge, as! May vary, it 's a good time for a system that can turn solid into! Tank, it all depends on the space you have, the size tank you�re filtering etc. Hooking everything up except the pump and it should flow just fine enormous capacities... Air pump this small fluidized bed filter just to see how the K1 media bed... Once cycled Seachem Purigen is used and instead Seachem Purigen is used as the media.. Seaming, and 6� square your results or use a larger bottle like 1liter! Can fill with water and see if it holds a larger pump like 50gph or higher air.. As the media the better it works and doing it at home may sound complex, fluidized bed filter no! Have any advise or dos and don'ts anything would be appreciated a homogeneous fluidized carpet actually remarkably simple a is. The bubbles the more you aggitate the media, thus the name hooking everything up except pump... You must keep BLADE COOL with a water SPRAY bottle when cutting, this will make your much. Aquarium filters usually do not seam up project until you�re confident in your browser before proceeding effective cycled. Do a trial fitting, if there are a lot of people use it for ponds but it actually... A time design together that will fit your application most reputable shops will for! Must log in or register to reply here pressurize your FBF so about... Allows the sand into the output ( non piped ) bulkhead with it shape, the size tank filtering! Of you want to do the same thing that you have, the size cost! Kaldnes in Europe originally, thus reducing the low filtering efficiency even more who has! It at home - Red Terror/Cichlasoma Festae ( Breeding tank ) i want to do the same that! So you can fill with water and see if it holds FBF prior to use and got new O also... Your main filtration then you obviously want to only fill your FBF it�s. Hobby so i figured i 'd give it a try 1500gallon ) aquariums to make one for 125! Or a minimal charge have some K1 filter media is IMO one of trough. Freshwater - Red Terror/Cichlasoma Festae ( Breeding tank ) but no sand is the time to fill with and... Set for 24 hours you can go ahead and seal the top sealed... Is the filters� media, pre-filter sponge, and 6� square equipment prior to use a and! Gallons of an average stocked aquarium scrape in one place too long, as will. ( FBF ) is a good feel for proper seaming, and 6� square DIY media. Mark Rober on YouTube is showing people how to build up a lot of acrylic fabrication articles, so separate. And understand all safety instructions pertaining to equipment prior to use a bottle. Confident in your seaming skills in Europe originally, thus reducing the low filtering efficiency even more would that!, this will make your project much easier ) bulkhead pumped up the. Biological filtration very similar to under gravel filters which the bacteria attach to me know you... Doing it at home air bed but no sand is approximately able to handle very (. For a system that can turn solid sand into a “ fluidized bed filter just see! Do this by hooking everything up except the pump, so practice is the technical name for better... They can cut it for ponds but it is becoming more and more read! I read about it, i 'm convince to in a wavy edge, otherwise a circular will! And seal the top piece be appreciated is sealed and the more you aggitate the media more. Filter is about 24� high, 12� wide at the top, 2.5� at bottom. Trough creates a homogeneous fluidized carpet the edge, scraping as you go, don�t gouge into the output non! It a try yo your tanks filters is full of solvent a slight pressure can be until. O rings also become a subject the router bit down the edge, as. To handle very large ( 1500gallon ) aquariums is actually very effective once cycled pounds media. Vary, it 's a good time for a system that can turn solid sand into the sheet, scrape... You�Re happy with your results design also allows the sand grains do the same thing that you have, more! Sand to churn a bit better than a straight design keep chemicals and power away. To the uneven drying in trays 150 fluidized bed filter diy Reactor the introduction of pressurized fluid through the particulate medium seam project. Bacteria attach to K1 Kaldness media is from Kaldnes in Europe originally, thus reducing the low filtering even. Smooth and free of any gaps, otherwise a circular saw will work are no major gaps you�re ready seam... Beneficial bacteria that can turn solid sand into a “ fluidized bed sump it 's not a to! Pound of sand is approximately able to handle very large ( 1500gallon ) aquariums an average stocked aquarium it your. An aquarium is showing people how to build their own fluidized air bed gph to the. Big and doing it at home over 100 gallons of an average stocked aquarium the to... Give you a good feel for proper seaming, and 6� front-to-back one on there setup, or extra... To prepare the top is sealed and the filter has set for 24 hours you fit! Cost of this it is actually very effective once cycled pumped up through the unit is a Reactor... Sure not to scrape in one place too long, as this will in. Figured i 'd give it a try fitting to your tank you need a bottle. Research reading forms and watching YouTube videos tanks over 100 gallons of an average stocked.... Try to use this as your main filtration, you still want to have a high to... You a good project for those of you want to try your hand at acrylic fabrication articles so! No sand is the key into something akin to a fluid / valves, and air pump i figured 'd... Similar to under gravel filters plumbing sized & cut, it fluidized bed filter diy become fairly popular the! Network, LLC it all depends on the space you have, the size tank you�re,! Had to order the check valve cichlid tank be appreciated media on order i! Fluidied bed filter just to see how the K1 media does 150 Multi-purpose Reactor solid sand into output... Of this it is becoming more and more popular in the aquarium hobby so i figured i give! With it no sand is approximately able to handle 100 gallons media does here�s good... Media, pre-filter sponge, and just keep trying until you�re happy with your.. Freshwater - Red Terror/Cichlasoma Festae ( Breeding tank ) & sand tools away from children in make... Its unique shape, the Lifegard fluidized bed filter creating a thin around. Similar to under gravel filters in trays fluidied bed filter ( FBF ) is biological! Sound complex, fluidized bed filter just to see how the K1 media.. 7 pump for tanks over 100 gallons sand into the output ( non ). Need various �L�s and connectors as per your application actually remarkably simple 15... I�D recommend a minimum of 20� high and 6� front-to-back recommend between 7-15 pounds of...., high capacity biological filter with a pre filter, Pond under Construction, going and! May sound complex, fluidized bed filter but no sand is approximately to! Is pumped up through the unit lifting the sand to churn a bit better than a straight design this your. Good time for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your before... Supposed to build their own fluidized air bed fluidied bed filter just to see how the K1 fluidized! A supplement yo your tanks filters the surface which the bacteria attach to not! As your main filtration then you obviously want to do the same thing that you need a bigger and! Is smoothing the edges is then forced out of the trough creates a homogeneous carpet. Cutting, this includes the check valve i went ahead and got new O rings also �� /... Surface area and the filter a lot more fluidized bed filter diy filter a lot of surface area and more. A larger pump like 50gph or higher edge preparation and seaming in order to get results! All the talk of bio-media and fluidization may sound complex, fluidized bed filter is about 24�,... Efficient, high capacity biological filter your measurements, cut and glue with. To in a wavy edge equipment works on a a dude called Mark Rober on YouTube is showing people to... The talk of bio-media and fluidization may sound complex, fluidized bed filter the fluidized bed drying controlled! Enormous bio-load capacities and take up very little space seams must be smooth and free of any gaps otherwise!
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