HOME MADE TRICKLE FILTERdesigned & built by D.Baxter
I have been running the above filter for 8 years and as I use filter wool placed on top of
the filter mats this removes about 90% of the debris,hence cleaning out of the
bological medium has only been necessary twice in 8 years, however it is necessary to wash the
filter wool on a weekly basis(this takes about 15 mins) in the height of summer
when the fish are being fed the maximum.It is also necessary to open the drain and back flush out the
bottom every 3 months.
Advantages of this system
1.Relatively inexpensive to construct (around £80 at time of making)
2.Easy to construct and install(Can be constructed in a weekend)
3.Trickle system therefor increased O2 hence increased growth of bacteria
4.Spray bar therefor increased O2 hence increased growth of bacteria
5.Relatively low maintenance
Disadvantages of this system
2.The fish waste is mascerated prior to reaching the filter therefor it is possible
that smaller particles may get through the filter.(NOTE this is probably
counteracted by fitting the filter wool)