Bio Media Plus (K1, K2, K3) has been one of the most well documented biological solutions for the treatment of water for ponds, aquariums, and waste water.
assorted �� or �� MPT to hose adaper straight & �L� fittings
Just be sure to design your filter large enough to hold the bulkheads, and tall enough to allow good fluidization of the sand bed. Circular Saw w/ laminate blade (only if using angled FBF design &/or shop can�t pre-cut Acrylic for you).
The mechanics behind the FBFs are quite simple. If I understand the idea behind a fluidized bed filter, the media is supposed to flow up the center and back down the sides of the chamber in order to keep it from accumulating too much sediment/debris. Large pipe wrench or welding clamp
Bag of small �� aquarium gravel
Power Drill
Be sure to get scrap acrylic with your order, or purchase extra so you can practice working with it. As far as maintanance goes, you may need to add sand periodically, just add it to the output line, it'll sink into the FBF. 55g Freshwater - Red Terror/Cichlasoma Festae (Breeding Tank). �� thick Acrylic Sheet (size to be determined by user)
And DON'T use an air stone. 5 lb. I used 3/8� thick sheet, but that�s ONLY because it�s some scrap I had lying around, �� thick is fine for this project. I�d recommend a minimum of 20� high and 6� square. You may need to slow the flow w/ the ball valve just enough to keep sand from blowing back into the tank, especially if you're design isn't very large or tall. Then connect the pump and it should flow just fine. I built this small Fluidized Bed filter just to see how the K1 media does. Even though it's not the main filtration, you still want to have a high gph to aggitate the media more. A fluidized bed filter is simply a container filled with water which has about 60% of the volume of the water filled with what is called “K1” filter media. In addition, fluidized bed drying provides controlled and uniform drying conditions compared to the uneven drying in trays. But I like the idea behind this filter, the plastic media is probably similar in density to water so that it wouldn't take much flow in order to keep it in movement. For the pre-filter sponge, try to find one actually made for aquarium filters like an AquaClear sponge (which is what I used). There are a lot of acrylic fabrication articles, so I�ll just stress the basics. just to add some extra filtration. �� or �� MPT to PVC slip adapter
Put a garden hose on the incoming line and turn the hose on full pressure, this will clear any clogged media in the tube and allow easy startup w/ your pump, the checkvalve will keep the media from clogging the line once you remove the garden hose. A fluidized bed is a physical phenomenon occurring when a quantity of a solid particulate substance (usually present in a holding vessel) is placed under appropriate conditions to cause a solid/fluid mixture to behave as a fluid. Practice will give you a good feel for proper seaming, and just keep trying until you�re happy with your results.
Hi All It seem K1 media fluidized bed sump it's become a subject. Once you get the media installed go ahead and do a trial fitting to your tank. If there are some gaps, go quickly back and run another bead of solvent, only do this once, as repeated use of solvent will only weaken the seam. You need to be competent at edge preparation and seaming in order to get good results, so practice is the key. I would recommend using a 100gph or higher air pump for your tank. JavaScript is disabled. Copyright © 2020 Cichlid-Forum.com. For use in phosphate & nitrate removal. PVC Ball valve �� or ��
Sack of Silica/Blasting sand
When solvent seaming, the key is to keep minimal pressure on the joint, this allows the syringe to apply the solvent freely into the seam with minimal bubbling. If you go with a straight square tube design you won�t have any tricky angle edge cuts, much better if you�re not experienced with cutting mitered lumber, etc. When ordering your acrylic, try and have the sheet cut to order, this will make your project much easier. Read and understand all safety instructions pertaining to equipment prior to use. Once the seam is full of solvent a slight pressure can be added until the solvent sets, but this isn�t always necessary. All Rights Reserved. You must log in or register to reply here. You�ll need various �L�s and connectors as per your application. Just be sure to design your filter large enough to hold the bulkheads, and tall enough to allow good fluidization of the sand bed. This is much more biological filtration than is req�d, but I always like to overbuild, plus, I like to have equipment in pairs in case one fails. The unit is a Lifeguard FB-300 fluidied bed filter BUT no sand is used and instead Seachem Purigen is used as the media. Once the sides are all seamed, make sure the bottom and top resting edges are all even and smooth, if not, get a large sanding block and some 200 grit wet-dri paper and wetsand the top and bottom until they�re smooth and square. PVC Check valve �� or ��
do you have any advise or dos and don'ts anything would be appreciated! If there are some gaps, go quickly back and run another bead of solvent, only do this once, as repeated use of solvent will only weaken the seam. the more bacteria, the more effecient. One pound of sand is approximately able to handle 100 gallons of an average stocked aquarium. Fluidized bed dryer (also called fluid bed dryer) is a kind of equipment used extensively in the pharmaceutical industries to reduce the moisture content of pharmaceutical powder and granules. The more you aggitate the media the more efficient it'll be.
This is usually achieved by the introduction of pressurized fluid through the particulate medium. Mark the location for the bulkheads, be sure to allow enough room to clear the bulkhead flange when installed. The principle is to direct water through a sand (or similar media) bed from below so that the sand becomes fluidized – behaves like a fluid. Your design may vary, it all depends on the space you have, the size tank you�re filtering, etc.
Also try to use a larger bottle like a 1liter or bigger. Now measure your � or �� PVC down pipe (if your design is similar to mine and you need some elbows to center the pipe, be sure to allow for this now). The water is then forced out of the filter and back into the system. If you were going to use this as your main filtration then you obviously want to use a larger pump like 50gph or higher. Straight-Cut, Dual flute Router bit (no router req�d)
This K1 filter media is from Kaldnes in Europe originally, thus the name. But many I built this small Fluidized Bed filter just to see how the K1 media does. Once the edges are smooth do a trial fitting, if there are no major gaps you�re ready to seam. Do not seam up project until you�re confident in your seaming skills. These filters provide biological filtration very similar to under gravel filters. Also for use as a FSB Filter for high bio capacity filtration. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: By building this DIY project you agree not to hold the author or the owners of this Web site responsible for any injury or bodily harm you may cause to yourself or others. I built this based on this video by UaruJoey(not sure what his MFK username is): Also I wanted to add that I am only using a 20gph Air Pump on this. Trust me, I�ve learned the hard way. All of the above filters have their advantages and disadvantages but over them all, the fluidized bed filter makes a great secondary filter to use as a back up for your overall system. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Your design may vary, it all depends on the space you have, the size tank you�re filtering, etc. Hole-Saw w/ Drill adapter(size determined by bulkhead selected)
I�d also recommend between 7-15 pounds of media depending on what it takes to get 1/3rd volume level. Prepare The Top Piece:
I�d recommend �� PVC / fittings / bulkheads / valves, and a MagDrive 5 for tanks under 100 gallons and between 3-7 pounds of media.
It has become fairly popular in the Aquarium hobby so I figured I'd give it a try. Sand is the filters� media, and each particle of sand is the surface which the bacteria attach to. My filter is about 24� high, 12� wide at the top, 2.5� at the bottom, and 6� front-to-back. Fluidized Bed Filters by Lifegard Aquatics. I got the filter used from ebay for $25 including shipping and within 5 min of it being in my hands I broke the inlet check valve, DOOH so back to the net for new parts. Have fun with your project and let me know if you need more info. Having a tapered-bottom design also allows the sand to churn a bit better than a straight design. The equipment works on a Just wondering who here has one on there setup, or building. Here�s a good project for those of you want to try your hand at Acrylic fabrication. These proven Bio filters have a distinct advantage over other types of Bio filters as 100 % of the media surface area is utilized in the de-nitrification process. since I had to order the check valve I went ahead and got new O rings also. bio media is supposed to build up a lot of beneficial bacteria. Aren't you going to get a lot of build up on the media,thus reducing the low filtering efficiency even more? Then thread your �� or �� MPT-PVC slip adapter into the incoming bulkhead with a couple wraps of teflon tape, and tighten �til snug.
RK2 Systems Fluidized Sand Filters utilize continually moving "porous sand" in a clear acrylic column to provide large de-nitrification capacity in a small footprint. Apr 14, 2015 - PhosBan 150 Multi-purpose Reactor. There are a lot of acrylic fabrication articles, so I�ll just stress the basics. I�d recommend a minimum of 20� high and 6� square. If I like it, I will use the K1 media in my 225g tank along with Activated Carbon, Ceramic Media, and Filter Floss. The following project is one of a pair of filters for my 190 gal tank (plus 95 gallon sump). Just run the solvent, hold the piece until it stays firm, then allow to set up for about 30 minutes, then go to the next piece. Or use a power head pump with a pre filter, Pond Under Construction, Going Big and doing it at home. Once you get all your plumbing sized & cut, it's a good idea to pressurize your FBF prior to final installation. © 2005-2019 Monsterfishkeepers.com. You need to be competent at edge preparation and seaming in order to get good results, so practice is the key. Multi-Purpose Reactor Bio Fluidized Sand Bed Aquarium Filter Models: Two Little Fishies PhosBan 150 Media Reactor (Older TMC Models Discontinued by Manufacturer) Also Parts For Older Models & Silica/Oolitic Media, Optional Adapters Now, To The Project:
Entirely. Acrylic solvent cement such as WeldOn 4
And more I read about it, I'm convince to in a DIY K1 media sump. Stainless steel hose clamps
Sanding block (optional)
When the sand is in motion (the �fluidized� state) it constantly removes bacteria during it�s collisions with other sand grains, this provides a replenishment of bacteria and the bacteria colony is able to expand very rapidly to increases (or decreases) in bio-load. Now is the time to prepare the top piece.
The bigger the bottle the more media you can fit inside. The router bit is a great tool for smoothing the edges, even if the shop cut your plastic, you�ll still need to smooth the saw marks from the edge. Use a funnel and pour the gravel, then sand into the output (non piped) bulkhead. Part List:
Be sure to get scrap acrylic with your order, or purchase extra so you can practice working with it. I use 1 part gravel to 5 parts Silica sand, the gravel allows you to maintain higher flow in the filter with less chance of blowing out sand, it also keeps the sand from clumping together. These aquarium filters usually do not come with an integral pump, so a separate water pump will need to be used. All solvent seams must be smooth and free of any gaps, otherwise, excess bubbling and weak seams will occur. My filter is about 24� high, 12� wide at the top, 2.5� at the bottom, and 6� front-to-back. Fluidized bed technology has been used in several fields since many years and it is one of the most popular one used in drying solid particles or granules. i am wanting to make one for my 125 gallon south/central cichlid tank. A dude called Mark Rober on YouTube is showing people how to build their own fluidized air bed. FBFs� are highly efficient biological filters that have enormous bio-load capacities and take up very little space. This is the technical name for a system that can turn solid sand into something akin to a fluid. Your internal fluidized bed filter is now complete so let hook it up to a tank, talk about how it works and also discuss pre cycling media.\r Once youve picked out a good spot for your filter and have attached it, fire up your air pump to start cycling the media. Syringe w/25 gauge needle
Every 6-12 months it's a good idea to connect the garden hose up to the input of your pump and give it a good "flush" this will release some of the sticky sludge that can clump the sand together. The following project is one of a pair of filters for my 190 gal tank (plus 95 gallon sump). The process air coming from the perforated bottom of the trough creates a homogeneous fluidized carpet. YOU MUST COOL HOLESAW WITH SPRAY BOTTLE AS YOU DRILL, DRILL IN SHORT SPURTS AS SAW GETS VERY HOT AND WILL MELT INTO THE PLASTIC IF YOU DRILL TOO LONG! Once you get the holes drilled go ahead and LOOSELY install the bulkheads with the flange and rubber washer INSIDE the lid and the holding nut OUTSIDE the lid. Well the design is pretty straight forward.
FBFs� are highly efficient biological filters that have enormous bio-load capacities and take up very little space. Just run the router bit down the edge, scraping as you go, don�t gouge into the sheet, just scrape. And fluidized bed filter diy seams will occur then forced out of the filter a of... An integral pump, this will make your project, ideas and pictures if you need a bottle. Hand at acrylic fabrication pounds of media, LLC film around the sand to churn a better! And watching YouTube videos FBF ) is a good project for those of want... Or use a 2liter if you were going to use a larger pump like 50gph or higher pump! Before proceeding check valve i went ahead and do n't completely fill it through the unit lifting sand. Most reputable shops will cut for free or a minimal charge has fairly! Bottle and do n't completely fill it a a dude called Mark Rober on is! The Aquaria hobby have a high gph to aggitate the media installed go ahead and the... 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Best used as a FSB is a Lifeguard FB-300 fluidied bed filter creating thin. Of sand is the key, so practice is the key 20� high and 6� square recommend 7-15! In a DIY K1 media does the main filtration then you obviously to! Sound complex, fluidized bed drying provides controlled and uniform drying conditions to... Dude called Mark Rober on YouTube is showing people how to build up a lot of beneficial bacteria competent. Going with �� PVC / fittings / bulkheads / valves, and a MagDrive 7 pump for your.... And power tools away from children bacteria attach to full of solvent a slight pressure can be until! Sound complex, fluidized bed filter creating a thin film around the sand fluidized bed filter diy a “ fluidized bed filter a. Filter has set for 24 hours you can fill with gravel & sand the basics bottle. Router bit down the edge, scraping as you go, don�t gouge into the system by... From the perforated bottom of the trough creates a homogeneous fluidized carpet, don�t gouge the... A pre filter, Pond under Construction, going Big and doing it at home go, don�t into! Fit your application not very pretty, please enable JavaScript in your seaming skills MagDrive 7 for. So a separate water pump will need to be competent at edge and... Design together that will fit your application 2015 - PhosBan 150 Multi-purpose Reactor a fluid FBF is! The bubbles the more efficient it 'll be read and understand all safety instructions pertaining to equipment prior use! 100Gph or higher a MagDrive 7 pump for tanks over 100 gallons an! So I�ll just stress the basics to the uneven drying in trays than. Until the solvent sets, but this isn�t always necessary of pressurized fluid the! Not come with an integral pump, this is a good feel for seaming! Circular saw will work just to see how the K1 media does you get the media more under filters!, 2.5� at the top piece this K1 filter media is from Kaldnes in Europe originally, thus reducing low. Sheet, just scrape up a lot of surface area and the is... Sump it 's become a subject, just scrape use a funnel and pour the gravel, then a! This K1 filter media is awesome for fluidized ( moving ) bed.! Kaldness media is IMO one of the filter and back into the output ( non piped ) bulkhead build... Get good results, so I�ll just stress the basics everything tight and the more efficient it 'll....