DIY siphon design?

[labragg1]

Ok--so i maintain several large tanks and the thing that I am constantly running into is the need for a good siphon vacuum to pull out detritus, clean sumps, and even help remove excess hair algae.

The problem is that I need something that I can circulate the water back into the tank.
Basically some sort of front end spout (python) running through a filter sock or similar--then back into the tank.

The problem is how to get powerful enough suction and how to configure it.

Anyone have any ideas on this?

I'm wanting to come up with something very portable and practical to use.

Thanks

 

[labragg1]

I've tried using the Magnum canister system with siphon attachment--but it's just too bulky and doesn't have hardly any suction when using any descent length of tubing.

 

[fiftyfive]

gravity ? put the hose to the sump wrap a sock (filter bag) on it and get to work... ?

Put a maxi in the mix if you need more suck maybe? I've done these methods and they work well...

 

[labragg1]

I could try that--I definitely need more suction than gravity--so a maxijet is a possibility.

 

[fiftyfive]

yeah, just remember that your return pumps will be fighting forced water to the sump, so spillage may occur if you aren't careful. Also, you maxi-jet may get pluggage. I use different size of hose for different types of jobs... smaller for picking up the yuck "on" things and bigger for sifting through the sand and rubble.

Thing about gravity, if you are feeding it (water) back into the sump, you can go to work on that tank all day and not worry about the level getting low... kinda like using the vacuum in the pool..

good luck! If you find a better solution...

 

[labragg1]

I was actually planning on returning the water to whatever tank I'm working in--so fighting the forced water back into the sump shouldn't be an issue.

That way the hose wouldn't have to be that long.

 

[labragg1]

The maxijet getting plugged so quick was what I was trying to find a way around.
Using gravity just doesn't have enough suction for what I want.

I saw this--but it's over $600:eek1:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+18193&pcatid=18193

 

[walmart]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+3895&pcatid=3895

 

[rickofco]

why not use a canester filter with attachments on it.

 

[labragg1]

rickofco--i've thought of that--problem is i need one powerful enough. I had an old Magnum that I tried--but it was way too week. I don't want to just start buying canister filters unless I know which one will work.

If anyone has any recommendations on a canister filter that is powerful enough--then let me know.

Also I have to have about 15' of hose for some of these tanks--so I need something that will still have good suction at that kind of distance.

 

[labragg1]

Nice thing about a canister filter is I could just remove all media and use filter floss--that would be very cheap to run.

 

[rickofco]

I have used a fulval 305 to clean my tank but I used a shorter hose.

 

[kgross]

The canister does not have enough suction, add the maxijet to the output so it helps pull water out of the canister also.

Kim

 

[labragg1]

kgross--i hadn't thought of adding a maxijet to the output--I'll have to experiment with that.
Thanks for the idea!!