Sand filter questions...

[tmcmaster]

So, I was reworking my basement system, and trying to install a fluidized sand filter, but ran into a few issues. It seems that the water from my radial flow filter is NOT draining into the sump, where this sand filter lives. The filter itself is constructed of a 10 gallon glass aquarium with about 2-3 inches of sand, followed by 4 inches of 1/4 - 1/2 inch river stone. (See image) The inflow pipe is 1 inch PVC.

[attachment=0:2zc5e586]Sand filter.jpg[/attachment:2zc5e586]

Some questions I have:

Is it possible that without a constant inflow of water, the sand could be clogging the in pipe?[/*:m:2zc5e586]
Is the vessel I am using possibly to blame? (The 10 gallon aquarium)[/*:m:2zc5e586]
Should the entire sand filter NOT be below the water level of the sump itself. (Sump tank is 3/4 of a 55 gallon drum)[/*:m:2zc5e586]
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

[keith_r]

how are you "fluidizing" the sand? this is usually accomplished by pumping a pretty good volume of air through the sand, usually under pressure....(how is the layer of sand separated from the river stone?)
sand won't work in a media bed, it will clog and have anaerobic, or dead zones..
look up "Moving Bed Biofilter" - basically the same idea as a sand filter.. (or look at pool sand filters) for how it should work..
so it sounds like you're looking for some additional filtration..you should start with a radial flow filter or swirl filter out of your ft to remove a majority of the solids, second stage is usually using some media, like netting, or mattalla matts, after that folks look to "polish" the water with a mbb or cetus type sieve

[tmcmaster]

I am guessing that I used 'fluidized sand filter' incorrectly, then... :(

There was nothing separating the river stone from the sand. The actual media bed was/is hydroton. The sand filter was sitting inside of the sump tank, and the pump was outside of the sand filter, in the sump tank, which pumped directly to grow beds...

I actually am running a radial flow filter before the sump tank.

Thanks!

[JCO]

If nothing is separating the sand from the stone and you start pumping from the bottom...the sand will quickly become Quick Sand and the stone will eventually sink into the sand. :mrgreen:

[dead_sled]

I work in automation. Specifically, automating water supply systems for municipalities. Some systems have a sand filter. The water is usually pumped through the sand into a small storage vessel. Then a second set of pumps, pump the water into the main storage tank (water tower, ground tank, etc.). You may not have the pressure to force the water through the sand.

[JCO]

OK, how about an update and photos please. :mrgreen: