DIY canister filter - planning stages

[Kayen]

I've been interested in making one forawhile for my nano tank.

Here are several threads that have inspired me :

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/6143...ter-filter.html

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/6290...-nano-tank.html

http://www.petfrd.com/forum/articles.php?a...d=87&page=2

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/do-yoursel...ter-filter.html

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/2939...ter-56-k-w.html

I would prefer to have the pump/powerhead outside of the canister body, as in teh first tank.

As for the canister body i'm not sure, and any cheap pump suggestions?

The reason i want to do this is just for a sense of accomplishment, and a decent filter for a nano.

For flow rate i'm look at around 80 gph MAX before media.

Edited April 6, 2008 by Kayen

[Parachromis1]

the 3rd one looks like the best idea to me.

if you end doing this im sure itll turn out awesome.

and maybe ill be interested in you making one for me,

:boxer: :thumbs:

[Kayen]

In a failed prototype i made back when i set up my 2.5g ,

Which was basically a sump, with a pump from an internal filter, which probably can't pump at a headhight past about a foot, which was probably the failure of the pump, as the water levels fluctuated, but as both containers water levels were even i didn't have to fear flooding from the siphon.

For my canister, i'll probably be using the same 1/2" OD / 3/8" ID Vinyl tubes for intake and outake. However i'm not sure how i want the water to reenter the tank, whether directly out of the tubing, or through a spray bar or something like that.

Edit:

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q207/Vi...ii/100_1097.jpg

here's the tank with that sump.

The intake tube was off one of those small whisper filters which i gave away, so i no longer have it, and the air tubing connected to it was used to slowly start the siphon without getting fish water into my mouth.

I'll be using a similar strainer on the 3rd link instead.

Edited April 6, 2008 by Kayen

[Slough Shark]

Looks like a great idea Kevin. I think I'm going to try it out as well on my 10 Gallon.