Help me figure this out...

froggsong · #1 07-23-2010, 02:56 PM

Ok, so I am planning to use one of two filters for my frog/newt/salamander tank (going in my 28g bowfront) when I start it (might start today, and work on it while this concrete takes forever on my anole tank, lol...). Both are HOB filters. I will either use a Topfin 30 or an aquatech 30-60. I'm leaning towards the aquatech because it has two baskets and two outputs, so I can do a waterfall system AND a drip wall (for moss.

). My problem is frog proofing it!

I was thinking about foaming the filter in place with GS, maybe covering the outputs in screen or filter foam so they can't get inside the filter.

I've been thinking about doing a strip of screen in the back (for lack of a better place to put it, since I can't do it in the front), and I DO have some of that plastic strip that attaches to the back of the versa top, but I'm not sure how I need to do the gap between the filter and the glass top while still being able to access the filter baskets.

My waterfall system will be something like this (please click the picture to go to the thread that this picture came from, this person amazed me with this sketch):

The pools in the middle there are what have really inspired me. Mine will be attached to glass on the right side of the tank. The one on top will also be attached to the back wall to be filled by the filter, and will then pour into the second one that will be closer to the front glass. The second pool will then pour into the open water area.

SO, I need ideas on making the filter area escape proof while still allowing the filter to run properly and pour into the pool (the output of the filter on the left side will just run down the back wall), while still being able to access the filter baskets to clean the media.

help! lol.. No rush (yes, rush, lol...).

If you guys need pics to properly visualize what I'm asking, just say so and I'll set up a little photo shoot.

Greg H. · #2 07-23-2010, 03:28 PM

Have you thought of using plastic canvas ( Hobby Lobby ), as a lift off panel ?

It can be cut and shaped, and you could even attach felt that has moss growing on it to hide it's true nature.

froggsong · #3 07-23-2010, 06:37 PM

I didn't think of that, no. I might give it a try. I'll have to see what I can do.

Keep the suggestions coming folks!

lillyviv · #4 07-25-2010, 02:17 PM

Or black pantyhose, they make a nice filter, are super water-permeable, flexible, stretch-able, and cheap!

beckdg · #5 07-26-2010, 05:20 AM

hmmm... both are do-able... but i would think the canvas would be a pain in the rear maintaining/keeping in place and the pantyhose would clog up quickly... hmmm...

IF i were to use the plastic canvas i would make it to sit right in the front of the basket vertically, directly in front of the carbon bag. i'd cut 2 pieces that go from the bottom of the basket straight to the lid. it would still leave a lip they could climb up to but keep them from getting right into the reservoir. of course i'm talking about the aquatech 30-60 since i have the whisper equivalent (whisper 30-60). in this case we still have the void in the center of the filter. in that area you could put some filter foam cut to fit and glue it in with some guerilla glue or it can be g/s'd to fill the gap. to hide the lid and hold the pump in place g/s should work out pretty good. you'd have to use a few sheets of cling wrap/wax paper or just carve the lid out so it's still removable once it's cured. one thing you could do is use a filter sponge cut/shaped to fit right in the flow to block it off completely. if you're able to put some polishing media in there the sponge shouldn't get too mucked up between maintenance to create a flow issue.

ps; if/when you are interested, froggy, i have plenty of replacement impellers for that 30-60 to keep that bad boy running as long as the pump still runs current through it. i could send you one for less than it would cost to buy one if necessary.

RecycledAgain · #6 07-26-2010, 11:04 AM

What about that plastic mesh that is used for needle point ,, ridged,small holes and very easy to shape..

Dan

beckdg · #7 07-26-2010, 11:30 AM

i believe that's what we were talking about.

froggsong · #8 07-26-2010, 04:00 PM

I'm not so much worried about them getting into the reservoir, I keep that sucker packed to the top with media, lol... I just don't want them getting under the cover at all. I thought about pantyhose, but that's not really an option because they clog VERY fast, and I don't want to have to maintain the filter CONSTANTLY.

I'll have to take a closer look at the filter and see how I might be able to use some plastic canvas. I'm thinking maybe I can attach it to the cover somehow to make a "gate" that they can't get behind. These little buggers are escape artists, if I give the the smallest way to get out of the tank around the filter, they will get out of it.