35 replies to this topic

[Moses]

Tempted to have a go at one of these builds. Looking good so far.
K1 media mate

[SamJohns]

K1. Has a more familiar ring to it! Only seen it being used. Haven't looked into it yet. Cheers

[Alex Hill]

Pretty sure they use the K1 or K3 media at Vebas if I am not mistaken. Would be interested to learn about the benefits over something like Seachem Matrix.

Edited by Alex Hill, 02 January 2013 - 08:29 PM.

[SamJohns]

I think the benifit as I said before, no excess crap gets caught on the bottom. Only the benficial bacteria stays on the media and excess waste flows back out into a filter wool catchment.

I currently have a good mechanical filtration "catchment" before Bio. But I still get a bit of crap building up at the bottom of my sump.

[Buccal]

K1 and k3 are the two main grades used.
Outlets need blocking with gutter guard or similar to stop k1 exiting.
K3 is easier to manage because it's bigger and doesn't get caught in tight spaces and doesn't piggy back climb up filter box sides.
As Sam said, it's purely biological and a mechanical screen of any type can be used on entry or exit of filter box, as the constant tumbling, agitation effect keeps the media 100% free of obstructive build-up.
This means no highs or lows of filter efficiency.
Low of a standard canister would be the second half of running before a clean.
As a canister or most other filters get blocked they take longer to convert ammonia to nitrate.
Most of the conversion takes place just after feeding time when metabolisms are working.
K1 - k3 is 100% effecient forever.
2 -3 cups of the K media is more efficient than a large size canister.
The K media is agitated in a tumbling motion with a air stone or stones underneath creating a uplift circular tumble fashion.
The aeration obviously promotes healthier more vigorous beneficial bacteria.
Liters per hour flow must not be excessive as its more beneficial for a longer contact time.
Small power heads can be added to tank or pen for sufficient surface agitation.
When I have time I will also convert my 2500 liter cichlid display tank to K1 leaving just the mechanical screen to be pressured cleaned every three weeks or so.

[bigjohnnofish]

i have noticed a few shops and people using the K media... im still a little skeptical... but you can convert me if your display tank works well...

[Buccal]

No questioning and I won't even try to convince anyone of K media.
I just stated facts.
It is unquestionablely superior.
Koi fish are heavy polluters and K products have taken industry by storm.
It just leaves the aquarist with sorting out a mechanical screen that collects junk and buffs the water clean which is easy.
A mechanical screen can be deleted and a simple additional canister added just for mechanical.
But I'm sick and tired of canisters, to much messing.
Pulling out a few pads straight from a open tray and pressure cleaning once in a while is a dream.
And never have to worry about disrupting beneficial bacteria again.

[MilkyJoe]

Looking awesome!

I started planning a build of similar construction but smaller, but the quote of $3000 for glassing put a halt to that!
Maybe I should of rang around a bit more.

Thinking I might start looking into building one of similar dimensions to this.

Have you had any further advances on the windows?

[SamJohns]

I'll be using pool fence glass for the windows cut to size at a minimal cost.

Just have to wait until its fibre glassed to get exact measurements.

They will be siliconed into these 19x19mm Jarrah frames after fibreglassing.



There will also be 19x40 rails on the top of windows as bracing for further Strength. They will also be placed at the back.

Next step a bit of sanding then I will post a photo once fibre glassed.

[bigjohnnofish]

No questioning and I won't even try to convince anyone of K media.
I just stated facts.
It is unquestionablely superior.
Koi fish are heavy polluters and K products have taken industry by storm.
It just leaves the aquarist with sorting out a mechanical screen that collects junk and buffs the water clean which is easy.
A mechanical screen can be deleted and a simple additional canister added just for mechanical.
But I'm sick and tired of canisters, to much messing.
Pulling out a few pads straight from a open tray and pressure cleaning once in a while is a dream.
And never have to worry about disrupting beneficial bacteria again.

does that mean your sump will soon be full of k-media with airstones ???

[bobby dazzla]

Buccal ... How long has your glassed MDF tank been up and running for ? Would love to see a picture of the finished product.

Followed a few Plywood builds on MFK and seems a few of them fail eventually. Like the look of this style heaps more just like to see how long you have been running it for problem free.

Good work on the build Sam looking forward to it coming along

Edited by bobby dazzla, 05 January 2013 - 08:45 AM.

[SamJohns]

Okay here we go. All the bracing attached.



Now just need to chamfer the sharp corners then off to get fibreglassed after I receive my quote early in the week.

[MilkyJoe]

Hey mate,

Just curious as to the construction. Looks like you've used liquid nails (or similar) to construct the box. Is that all thats holding it together?

Thanks!

[Peckoltia]

I would think that the strength is in the fibreglassing rather than what is holding the wood in place.

Can't wait to see this finished.

[Buccal]

Decking screws and liquid nails

[SamJohns]

Hey mate,

Just curious as to the construction. Looks like you've used liquid nails (or similar) to construct the box. Is that all thats holding it together?

Thanks!

Decking screws and liquid nails! It's sturdy as and I have complete confidence in it. Should look great when glassed. Probably about a month off doing it as I've had a few bills to pay.