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Simple Drum Filter

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Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 7:29 AM

Post #1 of 78 (16895 views)
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Simple Drum Filter	Can't Post

Hey ppl,

I just want to share the info I got on how to make a drum filter upflow version and would like to share it to everyone (sorry, can't remember where, but thanx Smile

)

First of the drum...............Drum roll please Laugh

This shows the inside of the 55 gallon drum with the 2" shower drain for the bottom drain. The reason it is positioned where it is because it is one of the lowest points in the barrel and it was the only smooth place on the bottom. Ideally it would be in the exact center but there is a mold seam there and it will not allow a good seal.

Here it is with the inlet. The 2" bulkhead fitting is the same as the one at the top left but it isn't visible in the picture due to the shadow. By installing the inlet like this it will slow the water down some and help with settlement. It also will be a support for the Japenese Matt media.

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

(This post was edited by Koi38 on Jun 30, 2005, 7:58 AM)

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 7:38 AM

Post #2 of 78 (16879 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Lets move on shall we Smile

By installing the outlet like so the PVC pipe will serve to hold the media down and with the elbow turned up it will pick up oxygen before going back to the pond. When using it before a pump, you need to turn the elbow down and use a pipe strainer on the end.

This filter can be pump fed or gravity fed. With the 2" inlet and outlet a flow rate of 600-1,000 gph is recommended. If you gravity feed the filter with the pump after you will need to turn the elbow down so it doesn't pick up any air.

You can see here the Japp Matt is rolled up to fit the drum nice and neat. Its approx 24" in diameter.

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

(This post was edited by Koi38 on Feb 2, 2006, 10:52 PM)

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 7:43 AM

Post #3 of 78 (16877 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

The bird netting is folded 3 ways so I unroll it, spread it out, gather it up and stuff it into the barrel.
You can use a piece of egg crate to help hold the netting below the water with the outlet pipe over that. If you build one of these filters make sure any of the media you use can't get drawn into the outlet and clog it. If you have it outside cover the top of the barrel so leaves or other debris can't get in and stop up the outlet. Be sure to leave an air space between the lid and the barrel. You can use heavy shade cloth to cover if outside.

This is showing the drain.

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

(This post was edited by Koi38 on Jun 30, 2005, 7:46 AM)

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 7:54 AM

Post #4 of 78 (16872 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

This shows the water flowing out of the drum to either back to pond or waterfalls. Remember to turn the elbow down if pumping water out to avoid air pick up.

Please take note, if you are using a strong pump use 4" pipe as your out flow. Using smaller pipe could cause water to overflow.

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

(This post was edited by Koi38 on Jul 19, 2005, 6:05 PM)

andymadd
Koi Lover

Jun 30, 2005, 5:13 PM

Post #5 of 78 (16824 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Looks real good does it take much cleaning ? I am looking for something to build for mums pond that will run without clogging and is quick to clean when I can get round there. Also did you roll up the jap mat or cut a disc the pic was a bit dark. Andy

andymadd
Koi Lover

Jun 30, 2005, 5:25 PM

Post #6 of 78 (16813 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Also what are you defining the filtration as settlement in the bottom followed by bio in the jap mat if so whats the netting for ? Andy

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 6:02 PM

Post #7 of 78 (16807 views)
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Re: [andymadd] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Andy,

Cleaning for me is a breeze Smile

. If you've noticed slide valve was used for easy operation. Just pull the slide valve every few days. The Jap matt was just rolled up. I used some plastic straps to hold it in place. It also act as a handle, when it needs cleaning I just normally give it a good shake while inside the drum and done. Cool

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 6:06 PM

Post #8 of 78 (16804 views)
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Re: [andymadd] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Andy again Wink

The netting is also part of biofilter. If I use jap matt all the way to the top it might restrict water flow. I never tried to place jap matt to the top. Smile

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

koiguyoz
Member

Jun 30, 2005, 8:59 PM

Post #9 of 78 (16790 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Jon,

I finally get to see your filter!!!

I would truely like to showcase your filter on my website, credit to you etc. Give me the go ahead and I'll add you filter in for the good of all koi keepers :D

-Ben

Koi38
Senior Member

Jun 30, 2005, 9:17 PM

Post #10 of 78 (16786 views)
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Re: [koiguyoz] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Ben,

It will be an honor Angelic

Go for it Ben, share it to koi world Smile

.

rgds,
Jon.

PS: As long I get 90% cut Tongue

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

soba
Koi Lover

Jul 14, 2005, 8:15 PM

Post #11 of 78 (16529 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey! Thats amazing! I came to the forum to dig around for barrel filter plans- and BOOM! There it is! Thanks alot! Im going to build one this weekend! I have TERRIBLE problems with string algea clogging up my pumps leaf basket- I have to clean it every single day- sometimes twice! I only have bio filtration now, with the pump before the filter- So I was trying to figure out how to mechanically strain off the algea before it reaches the pump. This looks great! Thanks again!

Koi38
Senior Member

Jul 14, 2005, 8:24 PM

Post #12 of 78 (16528 views)
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Re: [soba] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Soba,

No problem. Smile

I'm glad this design will help you Cool

I've been using this filter for the last 4 yrs now and never failed me. Actually I used to have 2 barrels until one drum cracked open by a nice kid Mad

. Been running one filter since Sept last year with no probs also. Just have to clean it more often Crazy

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

Tao BKK
Koi Lover

Jul 15, 2005, 8:12 PM

Post #13 of 78 (16477 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

My version! I use it for Gold Fish, approximate 500 ltrs.

Cheers,

Attachments:

VortexSmall.jpg (40.6 KB)

Koi38
Senior Member

Jul 16, 2005, 5:57 AM

Post #14 of 78 (16434 views)
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Re: [Tao BKK] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Tao,
Nice to see you again Wink

I remember your system. I got some ideas from you too Smile

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

texasproud34
Koi Lover

Jul 16, 2005, 1:22 PM

Post #15 of 78 (16424 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi

I really liked the way you showed each part of your drum set up. Very nice. I am wanting to change part of my filtration system. My current system has 3 drums that are fed by a 3600 gph pump. I want to increase it to a 4 drum setup with the pump being in the last drum. I hope that by doing this the pump will be able to power a really nice waterfall. Should I connect the drums with 3" or 4" pipes or will 2" be enough ?

If I want to make a waterfall over 4' tall 3' wide, would it be better to run a 2" pipe 3' up, then open up to 3' the last foot or have the pump fill a tank the size I want at the top ? I want to make the biggest waterfall I can create using this pump. I have another pump that feeds my bogs that I could useif I need it.

Thanks
Keith

Koi38
Senior Member

Jul 16, 2005, 1:52 PM

Post #16 of 78 (16412 views)
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Re: [texasproud34] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the kind comments Smile

I would suggest to use 4" pipe Smile

to connect each drum. Last thing you want is starving the pump with water Unsure

. When it comes to your waterfall, I would suggest use 2" pipe from pump to waterfall but I would install a 4"pipe at the outlet(for waterfalls) this way water will not shot off but will flow nicely Cool

Good luck and let us know the results will ya Wink

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

Koihuggr
Koi Lover

Jul 23, 2005, 2:53 PM

Post #17 of 78 (16241 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Beautiful - this is exactly what hubby and I need to look over thoroughly this weekend. Thank you so much for sharing this. 4 years, wow! I'm psyched! Cool

Frosty the Snowman likes skating on our pond - "watch out for the hole!!"

texasproud34
Koi Lover

Jul 23, 2005, 4:17 PM

Post #18 of 78 (16225 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

HI Jon

How do you conceal your drum ? I am looking for some good ideas on concealing 4 drums. The drums are in the ground with only the top 6" sticking up so I can clean them. Currently I am covering everything with big rocks but they are heavy and a pain to reposition so they look good. I know that there has to be a better way of cleaning that first drum !!

Thanks
Keith

Koi38
Senior Member

Jul 23, 2005, 5:03 PM

Post #19 of 78 (16223 views)
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Re: [Koihuggr] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Koihuggr,

It always a pleasure to lend a hand. I'm just returning the things I've learned over the years. Smile

I'm glad you're psyched Cool

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

Koi38
Senior Member

Jul 23, 2005, 5:10 PM

Post #20 of 78 (16222 views)
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Re: [texasproud34] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Keith,

Can you post a pic where you placed your filter so every one can make a suggestions under "Members pond". If your not comfortable you can pm it to me Wink

My filter is not concealed at the moment cos I'm currently building my new pond and filters Smile

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

Gouri
Koi Lover

Aug 27, 2005, 11:57 PM

Post #21 of 78 (15621 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Koi38,

I have a quick question re: your simple drum filter....

...how did you ensure that the holes you made in the drum for inlet, outlet and bottom drain were water-tight?

I intend on making one and just want to ensure I do it right!!

Thx

Gouri

Koi38
Senior Member

Aug 28, 2005, 12:02 AM

Post #22 of 78 (15615 views)
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Re: [Gouri] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Gouri,

I used silicon on both sides. Silicon will adhere to almost anything and safe Smile

, only problem is you can't paint over it Crazy

Good luck on making the filter, let us know how you went Wink

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

koifun
Koi Kichi

Aug 28, 2005, 5:42 PM

Post #23 of 78 (15562 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jon,
Your drum filter is exactly what I am doing. I treat it as a pre-filter to get rid of shit before flowing into biofilter. It will work very well.
http://www.freewebs.com/koifun123/myfilter.htm
I put those long brush inside and flush the water once a fortnight from the bottom valve like yours and clean out the debis once in three months. Cheers!!

"Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish. - Euripides"

Koi38
Senior Member

Aug 28, 2005, 8:27 PM

Post #24 of 78 (15547 views)
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Re: [koifun] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Benny,

Glad you got out of from your hibernation Tongue

I like the idea of your glass filter Cool

Good show

rgds,
Jon

"DuKu Friendly"
_____________________________________
"No one is ever too old to know better"

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Koi38/

seamonkey
New User

Oct 8, 2005, 10:06 AM

Post #25 of 78 (14544 views)
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Re: [Koi38] Simple Drum Filter [In reply to]	Can't Post

Where can you find to buy the 55 gallon plastic drum?

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