Pool Filter

[Thadd]

Has anyone considered using a pool filter on their reef tank? Pool filter

 

[MnFish1]

Has anyone considered using a pool filter on their reef tank? Pool filter

I use on on my 40 gallon breeder. the 2400 GPH works well. Just kidding:).

Actually I've heard of people using them - for HUGE tanks. (I mean the model you're talking about is for 10,000 gallon pools).

One problem - is you have to make sure you're getting one that will not corrode - and that includes the pump. For example - I do not believe that salt-water pools use the stainless steel versions that freshwater pools use - so you would absolutely need to check with the company and be certain about the compatibility. Then there is the issue with cleaning - which is a hassle - then backwashing periodically - which is a hassle.

Part of the answer, though, depends on why you're considering it?

 

[BanjoBandito]

As someone that used to put pools in, I'm not sure it's going to do what you want. A basic sand filter is for removing particulate and most run diatomasius (sp?) earth. They are basically big water polishers. I don't think they could cultive the bacteria you'd want, they also run at high pressure. I would compare it to a canister filter.

 

[MnFish1]

As someone that used to put pools in, I'm not sure it's going to do what you want. A basic sand filter is for removing particulate and most run diatomasius (sp?) earth. They are basically big water polishers. I don't think they could cultive the bacteria you'd want, they also run at high pressure. I would compare it to a canister filter.

Our first sand filter - actually used beach sand. The second used DE. Now we just cartridge's - which work well.

 

[Thadd]

I use on on my 40 gallon breeder. the 2400 GPH works well. Just kidding:).

Actually I've heard of people using them - for HUGE tanks. (I mean the model you're talking about is for 10,000 gallon pools).

One problem - is you have to make sure you're getting one that will not corrode - and that includes the pump. For example - I do not believe that salt-water pools use the stainless steel versions that freshwater pools use - so you would absolutely need to check with the company and be certain about the compatibility. Then there is the issue with cleaning - which is a hassle - then backwashing periodically - which is a hassle.

Part of the answer, though, depends on why you're considering it?

I’d like to consolidate 6 tanks I‘m currently running, the largest is 250 gallons. Ideally I’d find a 500+ gallon. What would be interesting is it could be set-up as a closed loop system so the pool filter takes care of the filtration and water flow. The backwashing should be fairly easy if combined with water changes.

 

[Thadd]

As someone that used to put pools in, I'm not sure it's going to do what you want. A basic sand filter is for removing particulate and most run diatomasius (sp?) earth. They are basically big water polishers. I don't think they could cultive the bacteria you'd want, they also run at high pressure. I would compare it to a canister filter.

I’m not worried about trying to cultivate bacteria, more to eliminate filter socks.

 

[BanjoBandito]

I’m not worried about trying to cultivate bacteria, more to eliminate filter socks.

Filter socks are a lie from big fish companies! I don't run them. The idea of a pool filter is the diatomasius earth makes the stuff 'stick' to it, then you have to break the filter down and powerwash off the "fingers" and/or replace the media. So it's basically a big canister. I'd be worried about corrosion though. There are "salt pools" out there with very low salinity as a way around chlorine, but I'm not sure if those could handle sea water. Chlorine is usually piped in after the filter directly into the outflow to avoid corrosion of the filter.

 

[jeffww]

DE will also fill your water with silicates.

 

[MnFish1]

I’d like to consolidate 6 tanks I‘m currently running, the largest is 250 gallons. Ideally I’d find a 500+ gallon. What would be interesting is it could be set-up as a closed loop system so the pool filter takes care of the filtration and water flow. The backwashing should be fairly easy if combined with water changes.

The problem with backwashing is a drain that can handle the volume - many communities will not allow you to empty large amounts of saltwater into the street for example. (I just had a conversation about this with a plumber - I was trying to do something similar to you).

I have to admit - I'm not sure what (in this context) you exactly mean by a 'closed loop system'. And I'm sure you can do it - WITH the proper equipment The steel would be my sticking point. And - just one more thought - disease control/mitigation between the tanks. You would not necessarily want non-sterile water going into each tank (in case one tank has a disease - or problem). Problem 2 - I'm sure you've thought about this - but - what if the filter malfunctions or the pump. I would suggest that you have duplication in the system.

I'm not trying to be a Debbie downer. lol - But - you asked for comments - I hope whatever you decide - it works out - one more piece of advice - there are companies out there - who do this for a living - large filters, etc - I might contact one - and pick their brain.