Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have a small sand filter that I was thinking of making into a bead type mbbr. Has anyone attempted this, or know of any links/articles that explain the build? My thoughts were to remove the sand, add bead or mbbr type media and hook it into the discharge of my pump after existing shade cloth and mbbr bed. i was hoping for additional bacteria source as currently my nitrites are running higher then I would like- between .25- .5. Ammonia at 0-.25.

I have a read a handful of articles that say they work great when you swap out the sand and they have a built in back flush which is helpful for cleaning. Most are used in very large setups. I would hook up the discharge to a mineralization tank myself from what we learned at Ryan's I say go for it!

Thanks Eddie, I think I'm going to give it a go. Wonder what the best filter material would be?

Interested in this too, I have a big pool filter I'd like to use

I would use WMT MB3 media since it's cheaper than Kaldnes. I heard bean bag beads work too.

Wmt mb3? Not sure what that is

Thank you for the link

I was doing some looking around for this filter and found some information that suggested a possible cause and solution for the nitrite levels. I'm not sure it really applies but it may be worth a shot. Apparently under certain conditions lack of phosphate can limit the conversion of nitrite to nitrate. I'm wondering if you don't have something like that happening in your system. Read the micronutrient section of this - http://www.bioconlabs.com/nitribactfacts.html. I know it isn't a perfect fit but I think trying the phosphoric acid is worth a shot.

Cheers

They are doing that here. I have visited there a couple times and they are very helpful.
The have a new face book contact that would probably answer your questions.

You can see it in this picture.
https://www.facebook.com/ClemsonAquapon ... =3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/ClemsonAquaponics?ref=profile

Is it more RAS than aquaponics that is concerned with MBBF?

MBBF can be used for either. It's really just about filtration capacity for whatever system you are using.

If you don't try the phosphoric acid or it doesn't work, here are a couple of sand filter to bead filter conversions Chris -

http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?142902-Tips-on-improving-100-bead-filter-conversion

http://www.gardenpondforum.com/threads/converting-a-pool-sand-filter-to-bead-filter.16450/

Thanks Scotty!

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It is soooo annoying that pool people cut their old sand filters up, in order to dismantle them..
Just tooo. Heavy when full of we're sand..

I had to make my own using. A long length of large PVC tube and end caps.. just as good IMO..

I do think there are better beads than those shown.. their surface area does not seem all that great, but if seriously cheaper, then perhaps volume can compensate for performance..
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