From: livings@unislc.uucp (Ross Livingston)
Subject: DIY wet/dry help needed
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5
Organization: Unisys Corporation SLC
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 18:10:02 GMT

I'm going to set up a 55g [F] with Tangynikans.  I've mulled over the
different filtration possibilities for several weeks now, and am really
getting anxious.  I had origionally decided on a UGF either powered by,
or in parallel with a canister filter.  I have since decided that this
may not be the way to go since I may want to try some live plants.  Though
I have heard from some that plants and UGF's don't have to be completely
incompatible.

I had origionally completely ruled out wet/dry filter alternatives because
of price.  I have since heard of making such a creature out of a 10g tank.
I just inherited such a tank, and am now considering making a wet/dry out
of it.  Now, in designing such a beast, it seems to me that since I'll
position the 10g underneath the 55, I will have to deal with some serious
issues of gravity.  I could use a siphon to supply water to the filter, but
then I'd have to have a safety hole to break the siphon at a certain point
in case the return (from w/d) pump quit.  Otherwise the w/d would overflow.
If I use two pumps, one to supply water to the w/d and one to return it, I'll
need two float switches.  The first will turn off the supply pump if the
water level in the w/d reaches a certain point, the other will shut off the
return pump if the w/d level gets too low.  Though the one pump method is
more $$ pleasing, I think maybe the second is safer.  One reason is this:
What if the power fails, and then comes back in 2 minutes.  The return pump
would stop, the siphon continues until it reaches the safety hole and then
quits, now the power comes back and the pump returns, but soon runs out of
water.  One solution I thought of (I didn't actually think of it myself,
obviously) is to get a non-tempered tank and drill a hole in the back for
an overflow to supply the w/d, rather than a siphon.  Though costly, this
sounds to me like a good solution as I also gain the benefit of 'surface
skimming.'

Now for some quesitons:

1) Does anyone have any plans for making a good w/d from a 10g aquarium?
   Would you mind sharing them?  I'll do whatever to get them, though
   fax would be the most appealing.

2) Does anyone have a better idea for the supply to the w/d than siphon?
   Is the 'over-flow hole' idea the best?  Is there another way to create
   a siphon that will be will work, but not overflow the lower tank?

3) Assuming I make a wet/dry out of the 10g, how do you suggest I run the
   thing?  Should I use a canister filter to supply water to the w/d?
   Can I use a canister filter to return the water to the tank, or will
   this negate the effects of the w/d, by passing the water through certain
   other biological or chemical mediums?

4) If the answer to part 3 about how to return the water to the tank is
   'just use any kind of water pump that operates on a float,' To what
   extent do I need to concern myself with the materials the pump is
   constructed with?  I assume the output of the pump should at least
   be potable.  If I can use a pump from a non-aquatic vendor, do you have
   any suggestions on vendors, or types of vendors (eg, chemical suppliers,
   air-conditioning/heating suppliers, etc)?

Thanks for your help.  I'm really looking forward to making a w/d and have
already called several plastic dealers locally and gotten quotes on plexi-
glass, acrylic, glue, etc.  One said he expected that if they cut the parts,
and sold me them, the glue, and other misc. things I'd need, they expected
it should cost me around $30US total.  Any comments here?  Thanks again.

-- 
Ross Livingston, Unisys Corp.  |  Phone   (801) 594-6217
322 North  2200 West,   D1V03  |  Fax     801-594-4861 / 801-594-6708
Salt Lake City, UT   84116     |  E-Mail  livings@unislc.slc.unisys.com
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