My Diy sand and gravel filter

[sequoiafish]

This is the second version. the first one does the job but is embarrassingly ugly. So far I have the first barrel complete, this barrel is full sized but has fittings for the water outlet and drain added to it. I am just waiting on a friend to help transfer old media into the new barrel.
The shorter barrel with the 6inch waterfall spout is still curing and should be ready to be turned into the bog filter, I m not worried about plants starving of nutrients since I m fine with fertilizing if needed.
Pics will be added as progress happens

Here are the pics of the project so far:

close up of sealant forming the seams:

Inside of the filters:

 

[addy1]

Looking good, like the shape of your barrels.
My plants are doing so much better with the fish load we have this year compared to the start of last year (4 fish lol)

 

[sequoiafish]

ya the bigger healthier plants is a bonus I'm looking forward to. The barrels were originally used for storing olives.

 

[addy1]

They look like some well built ones, will serve you and your fish well

 

[Shdwdrgn]

Is that an oil drain pan cut apart to make the waterfall spout for your barrel? Gotta love re-purposing common items!

 

[sequoiafish]

nah just the top half of a whiskey barrel liner

 

[sequoiafish]

Here is what the final product looks like:

view of my 300 gallon stock tank tropical catfish pond. water is a little low but it has avg 8-12 inches higher water level. Shade clothe for catfish protection and keep out debris.

Water from the bog part of the filter entering the pond.

Pump that supplies dirty water from pond to the filter.

Water form the sand and gravel filter entering the bog filter, plants will be placed inside soon.

Another view.

cleanout spout.

Inside of the sand and gravel filter.

the whole setup from the back side.

 

[addy1]

Nice job, bet it will work well for you

 

[j.w]

You did a good job on building it and I hope it does a good job right back.

 

[sequoiafish]

thanks. at least half of the work was done by a friend, i just assembled the filter.