Want to make a custom filter

Cobalt60 · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:09 pm Post subject: Want to make a custom filter

At a tag sale, I got a jet spa thing for bath tubs for $5. Well, I already pulled the motor out and I want to use this beast for a fish tank filter. Im thinking of either using a 10 gallon aquarium AS the filter, or perhaps a 5 gallon water jug (though it would need to be modded since one 3in hole at the top isnt adequate for servicing).

Well, I was wondering what some of you may have advice for design aspects. I am concerned about using an aquarium as the filter since I dont know how I would protect everything from possible overflow with only one pump. Something sealed I can see being safer.

I am considering using peat. I am also considering using some of this green algae that occupies about 80% of one of my 10 gallons. That algae has kept the water really clean! The theory here is the peat raises the ammonia level, so run it through the algae which absorbs the ammonia.

So what else can I use? Id really like something, if possible, that can sterilize the water (aquarium UV sterilizers are too expensive), maybe I can use a few UV LEDs or some other generic UV light source. Also, having recently had what I think may have been an Ich DISASTER, something that kills Ich in the filter would be highly appreciated (for possible future incidents since within the past 24hrs 100% of my fish have died, including a Callichthys I have had for at least 3 years).

BTW this beast will be used to filter a 40 breeder tank. I dont necessarily believe in overfiltering, but if it really is a problem, I can under-volt the water pump for a slower rate.

Thanks

-Chris P

daz rich · Special Contributor

should work in throry giving it less volts but why not just restrict the flow? and check motor dont get 2 hot