RDSB 5g bucket; How to Plumb??? (what bulkhead)

arrowheadpuffer · 12/18/2009, 05:19 PM

How do I plumb a RDSB in a 5g bucket?

Anyone have any pics? What flow rate?

I had a DSB chaeto fuge in a 55g before, it REALLY kept the nitrates around 0 with my low bioload, but keeping the sand free of slime algaes covering it was a pain, this time I want to go with a unlit DSB and a dedicated chaeto container.

longdangler · 12/18/2009, 08:40 PM

Uniseals work great for the bulkheads. You don't want to massive of flow through it, it will be a total sand storm. I would suggest suger sized sand then put something bigger and heavier for sand for the last 1-2 inches. That will allow you to put greater flow through it, something in the range of 4-600gph.

arrowheadpuffer · 12/18/2009, 08:50 PM

what type of drain? I am thinking drilling from the bottom and putting in a stockman overflow so I dont have the flushing noise...

lordofthereef · 12/19/2009, 02:51 AM

Since this thing really doesn't need to be leak proof (from the sound of things anyway), you may be able to get away with some simple pvc parts/glue. After all, a bucket is as DIY and inexpensive as it gets, at least in my mind.

longdangler · 12/19/2009, 10:07 AM

No you don't want it draining from the bottom, that's where all the nitrates are. You will want to drill the sides toward the top, yes it needs to be water tight. The water basically flows over the sand bed and out the other end. Ideal flow rate is 300-400 gph. My first post wouldn't let me edit for some reason. Search in the DIY for RDSB, there shoulld be something in there. If not I'll try and see if I can find some old pictures of mine. I currently don't run one, I moved and never set up again.

LockeOak · 12/19/2009, 04:34 PM

Sounded to me like he wanted to install a standpipe overflow into the bucket, which would mean it would drain from the top. That would work pretty well, if you have the bucket placed somewhere where the bottom drain/plumbing would be unobstructed.

lil_O_JJ · 12/19/2009, 07:39 PM

I dont understand why you would want to use a bucket. For another $10 you could pick up a used 10 gal or so make the same thing. Only with the 10gal you would have more options and room for a little growth. Im going to have to do some more research on this.???

arrowheadpuffer · 12/19/2009, 07:54 PM

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockeOak

Sounded to me like he wanted to install a standpipe overflow into the bucket, which would mean it would drain from the top. That would work pretty well, if you have the bucket placed somewhere where the bottom drain/plumbing would be unobstructed.

yup

I cant drill a 10g glass, and I havent seen any good prices on acrylic... I guess I could use a rubbermaid storage bin, if that would hold the pressure...

I am debating about doing this or just doing the traditional 40g tank with 7" sand bed and chaeto... Last time however I had problems with cyano and other slime growing on the sand.

12/18/2009, 05:19 PM	#1
arrowheadpuffer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA Posts: 396	RDSB 5g bucket; How to Plumb??? (what bulkhead) How do I plumb a RDSB in a 5g bucket? Anyone have any pics? What flow rate? I had a DSB chaeto fuge in a 55g before, it REALLY kept the nitrates around 0 with my low bioload, but keeping the sand free of slime algaes covering it was a pain, this time I want to go with a unlit DSB and a dedicated chaeto container.

12/18/2009, 08:50 PM	#3
arrowheadpuffer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA Posts: 396	what type of drain? I am thinking drilling from the bottom and putting in a stockman overflow so I dont have the flushing noise... __________________ -arrowhead Current Tank Info: 90g

12/19/2009, 02:51 AM	#4
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Since this thing really doesn't need to be leak proof (from the sound of things anyway), you may be able to get away with some simple pvc parts/glue. After all, a bucket is as DIY and inexpensive as it gets, at least in my mind. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

12/19/2009, 07:39 PM	#7
lil_O_JJ Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: charleston, SC Posts: 111	I dont understand why you would want to use a bucket. For another $10 you could pick up a used 10 gal or so make the same thing. Only with the 10gal you would have more options and room for a little growth. Im going to have to do some more research on this.??? __________________ 20L in the works....build thread to follow...

12/18/2009, 08:40 PM	#2
longdangler Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Omaha,NE Posts: 224	Uniseals work great for the bulkheads. You don't want to massive of flow through it, it will be a total sand storm. I would suggest suger sized sand then put something bigger and heavier for sand for the last 1-2 inches. That will allow you to put greater flow through it, something in the range of 4-600gph.

12/19/2009, 10:07 AM	#5
longdangler Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Omaha,NE Posts: 224	No you don't want it draining from the bottom, that's where all the nitrates are. You will want to drill the sides toward the top, yes it needs to be water tight. The water basically flows over the sand bed and out the other end. Ideal flow rate is 300-400 gph. My first post wouldn't let me edit for some reason. Search in the DIY for RDSB, there shoulld be something in there. If not I'll try and see if I can find some old pictures of mine. I currently don't run one, I moved and never set up again.

12/19/2009, 04:34 PM	#6
LockeOak Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 839	Sounded to me like he wanted to install a standpipe overflow into the bucket, which would mean it would drain from the top. That would work pretty well, if you have the bucket placed somewhere where the bottom drain/plumbing would be unobstructed.