Plumbing A Fbf Into A System

[RipSlider]

hello.

I'm in the middle of my buying spree for my freshwater tank.

I will be getting either an ehiem 2028 or a fluval FX5.

I also want to add in a fluid bed filter, as it will be a big tank.

My question therefore is how do I plumb this in?

The tank will have it's back to the garage wall, so will be drilling an "IN" hole and an "out" hole and have all the kit in the garage.

I know that the FBF will have to be placed on the clean side of the filter, where the water returns to the tank, but not sure how best to plumb it in.

Can I simply add a T-piece to the pipe, and then have the FBF on a seperate loop which feds back to the main return system with the appropiate tap to control water flow?

This would mean that th externals pump is powering both the water return to the tank AND the FBF. Is this acceptable? if it's not, where woul I add in an extra pump?

Also, If I go down his path, will there be an issue where the outlet of the FBF feeds back into the the main retun pipe to the tank, as this water will also be under pressure and may force water backwards through the FBF, rather than the right direction. Is it as simple as simply adding a ball valve?

Lastly, I know that FBF's ar pretty big oxygen hogs, as there is so much bacteria in them. Is there a way I can add a feed from a very small air pump to this system so that there is additional oxygen supporting the FBF without ending up with air locks over the entire system?

Apologies for so many confusing/stupid questions

Steve

 

[andywg]

You can plumb the entire return through the FSB. The biggest problem is making sure you have enough flow to start it. If there is then you are fine.

If there is too much then you can add a t piece to spur some off to the tank.

For greater control you can plumb in a seperate pump, but see how it goes.

The filter media will hog oxygen but should be replaced by gas exhange in the tank. maximise surface agitiation by having the returns spray onto the water and you should be fine.

I believe Paul_MTS has recently installed an FBS on his sump tank, he can probably help more than I.