Pool filter for sand and rock cleaning.

[sandswhitson]

Has any one used a pool filter for sand and rock cleaning? Our display is upstairs with a basement sump and water changes are setup to be done in the basement without hauling buckets etc. Couple of valves to turn and done. I would like to be able to siphon my sand and rocks in the display during maintenance and thought about using a canister filter for this, however the ones I have had in the past didnt have much suction. In my searching I came across pool filters that use a pleated cartridge like a shopvac style. Some of them have flow rates in the 2000+ GPH range so I would think they should have plenty of suction power to really pull out detritus. Has anyone used these for siphoning detritus during tank maintenance?

 

[Mark Bianco]

In theory a good idea; However there are two issues I see.
1. The vacuum would be way too much it would suck up the sand. Even if you could control the vacuum then arises issue number two.
2. You would need to know 100% the material of all parts where the water passes though body, seals, impeller, shaft, yada yada. Some materials are not aquarium safe, and others cannot handle saltwater.

Look up Python gravel cleaner / water changer. Yes its old fashion syphon but it works well.

HTH
Mark

 

[Cabinetman]

I run 2 18” Hayward pool sand filters on my 560 reef full time. I used to have a 4”x24” diy gravel vac plumbed in full time for a while and it worked great but had to dial it back because suction was so strong. I just increased flow in my tank and gave up gravel vacuuming.

 

[sandswhitson]

Look up Python gravel cleaner / water changer. Yes its old fashion syphon but it works well.

HTH
Mark

I have used the Python water changer in the past however I just want to recirculate the water now as my water changes are setup with just a turn of a few valves

 

[Bayareareefer18]

A pool cartridge filter is simply a filter. It does not pump water on it's own. You would need a pump of some sort. The issue I see is anything strong enough to pressurize the filter would probably be too strong for in your tank.

Think of it this way. Most cartridge filters on pools are being driven with pool pumps running around 60-80 GPM. With a DC variable speed pump you might go as low as 30 GPM

 

[sandswhitson]

https://www.intexcorp.com/store/above-ground-pools/krystal-clear-filtration-sanitation/28637eg.html

Something like this is what I was looking at 1000GPH puts it around 16GPM. Not sure of what the parts that come in contact with the water are made is what I am trying to find out now.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

https://www.intexcorp.com/store/above-ground-pools/krystal-clear-filtration-sanitation/28637eg.html

Something like this is what I was looking at 1000GPH puts it around 16GPM. Not sure of what the parts that come in contact with the water are made is what I am trying to find out now.

Ah gotcha. Above ground pool equipment.

Not sure what type of pump it uses. Eith a standard pool pump water does come in contact with metal components. Usually the motor shaft and shaft seal.

 

[sandswhitson]

Anyone familiar with the construction of these filters? It wont be on the tank full time just every other month or so for as long as it takes to siphon the sand and rocks.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Anyone familiar with the construction of these filters? It wont be on the tank full time just every other month or so for as long as it takes to siphon the sand and rocks.

Not sure about that exact filter. If it works as a standard pool cartridge filter does then water is forced through the pleated material, into the center then out