Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey Guys,
So i wanted to redesign my system inside my greenhouse and change from hydroponic DWC buckets to a aquaponic dutch bucket system. So with that in mind my first though was "what to do for a bio/mechanical filter." With that in mind i dug through some of my stockpile scrap from old projects and found half of a 4inch pvc pipe that was used for a failed vertical aerogarden, hence why there are holes in the pipe. I suggest not adding holes as it lets algae grow. I will be taping mine. Be sure to fill your pipe with your bio and mechanical media before putting on the caps. I only added one of the filters to my pipe as this is my first experimental model. You can add as many as you can fit or any other media of your choosing. I encourage you to do that to see what works the best. I will have updates on how well this works later.
-The video is a test of the system to see if i needed to silicon anything and how well it held up.
-I also have a somewhat step by step of how to generally put it together. It comprises of 2x 4inch to 2inch adapters, 2x 2inch to a threaded female 3/4th adapter. On the bottom simply screw on a 3/4th male adapter and whatever size tubing size adapter you need. I thought i had 3/4th inch tubing, but i have 1/2inch tubing so i just switched out tubing adapters. Pretty simple. On the up side of the filter is a bit more complicated and can be customized however you want. It is a simple 3/4th male threaded adapter connected to a 3/4th tubing piece connected to yet another 3/4th male threaded adapter that is connected to a 3/4th ball valve to regulate flow if needed or emergency shut off if needed. Than simply attach whatever tubing adapter you want and you're good to go.
Here is the online photo album of the "step by sorta step"
http://jalbum.net/a/1684892
Cheers,
Kenny

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Hi Kenny..
Given the cost of tube, I doubt that I would be trying to repurpose any..
And because I have made a.Bio filter from a length of 200mm tube, I have to suggest a problem... eventually, they clog with muck..

I am having good effect with converting washing machine outer tubs to filters, but the fines remain an issue and I have to try to remove all fines prior to water entering the tube Bio filter..
..
Peter

Hey Peter!
Thanks for the reply. I am only in highschool so anyway to save money is a plus for me. Wow 200mm tube is what, almost 8 inches? That is crazy big. Your system must be hundreds if not thousands of gallons. Mine is only 55gallons.
With the clogging though, i designed it to where you could turn the ball valve and pop off the cap, than pull out the mechanical filter, wash it, and reinsert. Maybe once a month. Most of my muck is caught by my pumps filter anyways.

I would suggest addings in a few matts of mechanic filters.
Goodluck!
-Kenny