litigator666 Posted November 3, 2013 Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 I'm looking for a top filter to maximise the space on the top of my tank. These are the filters that are box type that sits on top of the tank with water running through the use of submersible pump. most curve type tanks had this filtration set up. I was looking at shops and ebay, but can only find the short boxes. I need a long box to fill with media approx 3ft long or longer. let me know if you have encountered this whilst browsing shops and on online stores. by the way need it in black colour as well. https://www.google.com.au/?gws_rd=cr&ei=RE92Utj7G6HK2gXl1YCYBQ#q=top+filter+aquarium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shon982 Posted November 3, 2013 Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 I had a black 6ft one that came with the "cleair" tanks that Aquarama sells, maybe they might be able to get one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
litigator666 Posted November 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 saw your old thread on building this. those that come with curve/complete tanks doesn't have a top cover. i'm looking at a set with a ready cover as i dont have hood and water may splash outside. im also looking at building it from a rectangular long container and buy the cheap ebay one and use their fittings for parts. prefer though a complete ready to use set if i can get one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaholic99 Posted November 3, 2013 Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 I would make a custom one from black acrylic. Double trickle layer or a rise/falling one. Just make sure it has an emergency overflow (or two). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinkbits Posted November 3, 2013 Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 So are you talking about something like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
litigator666 Posted November 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2013 yes, same principle. looking for a ready made one as a DIY may not look nice as I'm not a handy person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigPete86 Posted November 4, 2013 Report Share Posted November 4, 2013 BUGGER! I just threw out a black 4ft top box filter, with lids, pipes, pump etc. you coulda had it for $0 down, no interest & no repayments ever!!! Sorry mate, it sat in the back yard for a couple months, I couldn't use it for anything, about to move house & then Friday (bin day) there was room in the recycling so I broke it up & hoiked it. It came with a 4ft tank I was given (now been resealed & ready to be setup for my mate's mum). Sorry mate, 3days too late but... There's another, possibly free, curved glass Aqua One tank, 4ft with top filter. I'm just waiting to hear back from her & if I get the tank the filter is yours if you want it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goneself Posted November 11, 2013 Report Share Posted November 11, 2013 Easy to DIY mate, just get a big ol' planter box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwick Posted November 11, 2013 Report Share Posted November 11, 2013 Mate, they are a great filter and easy to make. I've used overhead filters on various tanks ( marine, discus and rift lake cichlids ) over the years. Advantages are, cheap to make, cheap and easy to run, easy to maintain and depending on where you place the power head/pump, you can filter water from the bottom of the tank, middle or top. A very flexible, simple system. Perfect for discus as the water flow entering the tank is vertical rather than horizontal. I also used to make my own hoods in order to hide the filter and lights. My DIY knowledge and ability is probably at preschool level at best but had no trouble throwing these guys together. If you know your way around a glass cutter or know someone who can cut glass, Give it a go. If you have any questions, PM me or ring 0451175663. Cheers Warwick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaholic99 Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 If you want to maximise your overhead filter efficiency, have it slowly fill and then dump cyclically. This eliminates the need for a trickle tray and maximises use of your bio-media since every bit of bio-media gets submerged/wet/used unlike a trickle tray that channels. The rising water also expels all the air so you get constant fresh new air to your bio-media and the dump creates a small wave into your main tank which oxygenates well. Not everyone likes the rising-falling water level on the main tank but the fish do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
litigator666 Posted November 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 thanks for the info. i'm looking at sourcing it outside as I can't find a ready to use one here. I don't want to do it (DIY) as it may not look good as a ready to use one. Need it in black colour and perspex/acrylic will cost a lot to get the length I need it to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaholic99 Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 Acrylic shouldn't be expensive but you can also make it out of glass or wood (painted and water proofed). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
