Just wanting people's thoughts on a DIY Top Filter
This is what they look like: http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/top_filters.php
I was thinking of just using a large long plastic container that has a hose connected to a power head within the tank
The power head would pump water into the container in one end
At the other end of the container I would cut out a hole for water to just drain out once it has passed the media

One thing I'm worried about is if there's too much weight on a brace of a tank?
Any other thoughts?

Here's one I found on the net about a DIY top filter, I'm thinking a large one with a high flow rate power head
http://www.instructables.com/id/diy-aqu ... op-filter/
I'm using a 5ft Top Filter on my 7ft tank with a canister and it works really well
That's why I'm thinking it would be a good addition to my 4ft tank which just has a canister
Other thoughts are about making something like this http://www.sydneycichlid.com/trickle-filter.htm

However in both cases the filter would need to fit under a hood, so it will be compact

pretty simple solution

easy to main tain
no leaks

it,s realy a personal choice

john

Yeah, I'm using one on another tank at the moment but it doesn't sit on the bracing of the tank
If I made one, It would have to be sitting on the brace... Would it be too much weight on a brace?

Wow mate you have set your self a task.

But then again thats part of the fun, I dont think you will have any problems with weight issues but to be on the safe side have you thought about using a extra bracing on the back of the tank to support the extra weight? Pending on what or if you had backing that would hide the bracing. I have seen these for sale and have actualy seen 2 being used on a 6 x2x2 they where wider than usual but they did a great job.

I would love to see the pic's and the whole build if you decide to go ahead with it.

Cheers
Johno

lol I'll see how it goes

I'll post pictures of the top filter I already have and also where I'm planning to put the new top filter on the new tank

But I can't post pictures until my internet speed is uncapped again

Here's what it looks like on my other tank:
There's two power heads, one on either end, they feed the tray from either end, water passes media and meets in the middle and drops back into the tank



And here's what I want it to be like on the other tank:


I figured if the container is thin then the weight of water on a brace will be less just like in my other tank

or for something a little bit garden - a little bit fishie.....

look ---> viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2533

Perfect

Did you custom make the tank?
That's exactly what I was thinking, well something similar but just use some sort of plastic container (cheaper option)

Thanks

Those long flowerpots work well, You could also try some of that white plastic guttering from bunnings.