Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Normally Duff the vortex filters work by slowing the flow on the outsides, I think, laminar flow. Have seen what you are talking about but don't know whether it would work for high flow swirl filters (something else to check out )

Was thinking it would only cost me a drum to try it out. Got the bits for the large swirl filter and can use them to give it a go. Worse case I have to find a use for a drum with a 2in hole in it. Or just cut it in half and make pots out of it.

Duff

This is a schematic of my design for a biofilter. It should be able to handle a reasonable flow. I will be using bottle caps in it but polypropelene or polyethelene beads would work better (they have to have slight positive bouyancy).
It works like this, water is pumped in the top pipe down to eight nozzles pointing up (you can get one of these from an old diamateous earth swimming pool filter I can post a pic if you want . The water rises rapidly up the centre of the barrel carrying the media then down the outsides to the exit pipe (under the nozzles) this causes a torodial motion in the barrell with the outside moving slower (because its a longer distance). Crap will then fall to the bottom. The advantage is you have a biofilter and sort of vortex action all in one barrell.
I pinched this design from a patent of a device mainly for processing sewage (should handle large volume of biofiltration if using beads)

Please note

I have not tried this yet, so its just theoretical

Cool. Maybe work with a lower head.

Duff

Head is where the outlet exits, you would have created a fountain in an oil drum .

Fountains are pretty. Thought it was the input through the lid. Doesn't it end up filled to the top with water. My olive swirl is full all the time.

Wait up. Sure it won't work the same. I think I need arrows.

Totally you know what it All do with input and output levels re head on the pump:)