CROCLIST: External Pump/Filter

[John Paner]

Hello -
  There are a number of variables that need to be determined before going further.    How large is the enclosure?  What is the air temp you are trying to maintain?  Is this indoors, if so what is the air temp there?  

My suggestion is to buy commercially available products that already exist and will cost you about the same if not less.   A large canister filter and a heater module from rainbow lifeguard will run you about $125-$150 (depending on what you buy).  The rainbow lifeguard units take submersible heaters and hold them in a position to allow water flow completely around the heater, making it very efficient.   I have also built several of my own filters for large aquariums but this volume of water it just doesn't seem worth it.   I have used Rubbermaid totes placed above the water level of the pond.  Water is pumped from the pond into the tote.   The tote is separated into layers by eggcrate. At the bottom I have placed multiple submersible heaters.  The center is filled with bioball media and the top I layer filter pad material.  Including the pump I could guess a setup like this would cost about $250 plus. 

John Paner

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Donny 
  To: croclist at lists.gatorhole.com 
  Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 5:07 AM
  Subject: CROCLIST: External Pump/Filter


  I would like to build a external canister type pump/filter that can be located outside of animal enclosure.

  I am thinking a a 5 or 15 gallon plastic bucket or drum and 1 inlet from the pond to the bucket and 1 outlet from the bucket to the pond .... inlet/outlet would be pvc and or rubber tubing.

  I would also like to add heating eliment to the pump/filter, I was thinking one or possibly two 250watt stealth aquarium water heaters.

  Can anyone give me some ideas and or pointers on designing this, it doesnt seem like it will be to hard but still id like to get it right and get it the best I can the first try.

  What type of pump should I use, will I need 1 or 2 pumps, 1 to get the water from the pond to the bucket and 1 to get the water back to the pond ..... or can this be done with 1 pump

  The pond is only about 150-200 gallon (estimated) 

  I originally installed PVC tubing for a drain which I dont really even use, I was thinking this could be used to move the water from the pond to the bucket

  I would like to keep cost to a mininum and use supplies that I already have if possible, stealth heater(s) and pond pumps

  Ideas, first hand accounts and suggestions would be appreciated


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