juanitierno
09-07-2010, 04:16 AM
Hello!
Im Juan froma rgentina.
Ive tried building a couple scrubbers in the past, with mixed results, problems generally being pipe-clogging, screen too flimsy (could not find a proper screen here) and spontaneous in-every-direction splashing.
I would like to try again, so ive made an attempt at designing an in-sump version, with focus on solving the problems ive had in the past.
My main concerns where:
1) Ease to clean: I wanted easily removable algae-media. I also want it to be easy to clean and not flimsy (ill be using rigid sheets of (probably black) acrylic, well sanded.
2) No clogging: I went for an even and gentle waterfall approach.
3) No disassembly required for cleaning (media should be easily removable where it is, even with the device working).
This is what i came up with, and i would appreciate any opinions and comments, before i build the thing.
(wall removed for visibility purposes, it will not be removable)
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww99/juanitierno/scrubber1.jpg
(Its an U shaped glass box, the U contains water that should gently flow over the media, while the inner compartment is open-bottom so water can return to the sump noiselessly)
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww99/juanitierno/scrubber2.jpg
Here is how it should go in the sump... a pump will fill the outer compartment wich should overflow over the media.
It hangs on the sumps rim, and the bottom is slightly submerged.
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww99/juanitierno/scrubber3.jpg
My main concern with the design so far is that when i cut the power the water in the sump raises its level and will flood the lights. I will be using PL-L style bulbs with the electric part above water level, but im worried the temperature differential may break the bulbs, and i would rather not encase them in yet another glassbox (its starting to look like a mamushka).
Anyways, opinions and advice are very welcome!
Thank you!
Im Juan froma rgentina.
Ive tried building a couple scrubbers in the past, with mixed results, problems generally being pipe-clogging, screen too flimsy (could not find a proper screen here) and spontaneous in-every-direction splashing.
I would like to try again, so ive made an attempt at designing an in-sump version, with focus on solving the problems ive had in the past.
My main concerns where:
1) Ease to clean: I wanted easily removable algae-media. I also want it to be easy to clean and not flimsy (ill be using rigid sheets of (probably black) acrylic, well sanded.
2) No clogging: I went for an even and gentle waterfall approach.
3) No disassembly required for cleaning (media should be easily removable where it is, even with the device working).
This is what i came up with, and i would appreciate any opinions and comments, before i build the thing.
(wall removed for visibility purposes, it will not be removable)
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww99/juanitierno/scrubber1.jpg
(Its an U shaped glass box, the U contains water that should gently flow over the media, while the inner compartment is open-bottom so water can return to the sump noiselessly)
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww99/juanitierno/scrubber2.jpg
Here is how it should go in the sump... a pump will fill the outer compartment wich should overflow over the media.
It hangs on the sumps rim, and the bottom is slightly submerged.
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww99/juanitierno/scrubber3.jpg
My main concern with the design so far is that when i cut the power the water in the sump raises its level and will flood the lights. I will be using PL-L style bulbs with the electric part above water level, but im worried the temperature differential may break the bulbs, and i would rather not encase them in yet another glassbox (its starting to look like a mamushka).
Anyways, opinions and advice are very welcome!
Thank you!