Top of tank filter (with pics)

[GaryofMontreal]

I used a plastic box, some lava rock and a powerhead to make an on top of tank power filter. I have several in the fishroom now, working like a charm after several months. They are filtering 75s with very delicate Geophagus.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/montrealguy_2008/filter002.jpg

There's the entry
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/montrealguy_2008/filter003.jpg

Above is the exit
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/montrealguy_2008/filter001.jpg

Here is the downside, an ugly plastic box of wonders...

[CACAdmin]

Interesting. It definitely gives you a large filter box. How big a powerhead are you using?

[GaryofMontreal]

I have some maxi-jets that are really old. They've been sitting in boxes since I gave up on undergravel a few years ago. They are the equivalent of the current 230 gph model - new number, new casing, probably the exact same mechanism.
These filters have a huge capacity, and drop very oxygenated water into the tanks. A 30 inch box is $12, and a new powerhead is about $25 (mail order from the US). I have 20 inch boxes from the dollar store on some tanks.
They're easy to clean and maintain, but hard to hide.
I had a fluval on a tank at the school I work in. We have a pond that is too shallow, and I overwinter a bunch of koi and goldfish every year in a 75. It is a challenge to keep them in clean conditions. The fluval broke and I tried this out of desperation. I have clear water that has done well on the test strips with this filter idea. I'm pleased.

[Katalyst]

Neat idea! Now how about some photo's of all of those tanks! :yes: :laugh:

[Melody]

That's great! Thanks for sharing it. :smile:

[ellner357]

Now i'm just curious and won't know if I don't ask. Why do a top of the tank filter like that VS canister or HOB?

[PPulcher]

Now i'm just curious and won't know if I don't ask. Why do a top of the tank filter like that VS canister or HOB?

I think it's harder to homebrew a HOB or canister filter ::D:

[ellner357]

Ah ha I see