[gray]

in the process of moving tank into garage with sump etc
thinking of adding big dsb filter using old salt bucket
can someone pls explain how to go about this , water feed and return to sump etc

thanks
gray

[Dave.I]

Hi Gray.

Basicaly you want a fine round sand.I use sugar fine aragonite.If you look at different types of sand some will have angled pointed edges and some will be rounded.You should go for a round sand imo.The reason for this is that the sharper sands will lock together like teeth and reduce flow and become very compacted over time.The round sand grains will sit side by side just like marbles and water will be able to flow around every grain freely as it should.
You should try and get plenty of flow over the surface of the sand to prevent any detritus etc from settling and rotting.If you find there isnt enough flow then bring the level of the sand up higher in the bucket,this will outomaticaly increase the flow as there is less water to dillute it.
If you have room in your sump you could put a dsb bucket in the sump.This is what i have done.Its an old salt bucket sat on four pipe fitting legs.Its fed with water from the overflow and ive just cut one side down so it then overflows into the sump.It stays very clean and helps to keep my nitrate undetectable Hth!

Dave

[gray]

thanks dave
so do i understand right you fill bucket up to a level with sand , have water flowing into bucket and out the other side , i suppose i can have a pipe in and a pipe out if the bucket is not sat in the sump

am i right , also do you light the top

thanks
gray

[chriss]

Yep, water in and water straight out, you don't want to allow detritus to settle out. Also, you don't want to light it since you don't want to encourage an algal growth.

You want to use the 'taller' salt buckets, like the old Kent ones, not the short stubby ones since the depth of sand is more imporant that the surface area. I made mine from a 10 gallon brewing bucket and just used regular sand. Been running two years now and nitrates have never been a concern.

Chris

[Dave.I]

Just to be clear gray the water enters above the sand and exits above the sand.Its just needs to flow straight over the top with good flow and no dirt settleing.Aim for 6 inches minimum but 8 or more would be better.

Dave

[gray]

thanks gents
think ive got it

cheers