My setup above has it's pros and cons. The cons are; 1. The inline strainer is smaller than I would like, and 2. There's not a good way to control the suction power of the diaphragm pump. Putting a valve on the pump output doesn't work very well. I imagine you can dial the optimax pump down a bit to get the suction right where you want it. On the other hand, the diaphragm pump self primes. I assume you have to manually prime your setup each time? If doing that isn't too much trouble, I'd definitely consider your setup before mine for substrate vacuuming.
OK, maybe I misunderstood Rocco's post. I thought he was describing a stand-alone prefilter and pump just for the vacuuming. It sounds like you're using the prefilter and pump that's always running on your tank and just rerouting the filter input between the tank intake and a vacuum hose. I'm planning to move to the "Rocco" prefilter setups on upcoming tanks, so that sounds like a good plan.
Do you think it needed a stronger/coarser sponge?As a matter of fact I've tried it
I will say the customer service is outstanding, the guy is great to work with.
However it is way too strong for aquasoil.
Instantaneously jams it's nozzle full of bits and tears through the internal filter sponge, no matter how careful you are. At least it was a no hassle return.
. Filling process is just a diy pvc spray bar attached to the garden house.
yes im a rare breed on all my tanks no aquasoil or ada amazonia here. I use 75' python to drain and refill with spigot outside. There's no buckets for me that got old long ago. I have small 1" and larger gravel clean heads to hover clean sand and debris/leaf litter in tight spots. If I didn't have that option I'd do the 30-55g trash can on wheels and pump like above with jayp brilliant way to get it done nice and neat!
I also water the plants in yard with water free frets and water for plants they all boom!Eh maintenance is is kinda easy for me. Just a hose attached to a utility pump and I run the hose into the backyard and water the trees and outdoor potted plants
Finding a reason to stay in the hobby is harder for me tbh. Hardscape prices and finding aquascape layout inspirations are the main issues.
Yeah, and it's super easy! Since the prefilters are clear you can see what's going on. If you're using quick release valves, you can also have a spare lily pipe intake (which you'll probably have on hand, since the partnered lily pipe outflow is part of this "water vacuum" already). Set up the intake lily pipe tubing, give the outflow a quick inhale, and get water flowing into the prefilter. Easy to prime, just switch out your intake tubing with your desired "vacuum hose" with another quick disconnect, and you're ready to vacuum with recirculating water for hours!
I had also done this before! It's super simple to just use a quick-disconnect on a new length of tubing into your existing prefilter. The only reason I don't do this anymore, is to keep the actual filter-based prefilter sponge cleaner of detritus, and have a dedicated gross vacuum prefilter sponge. But I'm glad other people are exploring the potential of these prefilters, for both cleaning and filtration. They have awesome opportunity and tons of flexibility!
This is cool, I might have to build something like this with a lower flow as per @Koan notes.
Sounds like what I'm building
, was a good watch though - thanks for the share.
