DIY bio filter question

[IRL]

Hi
I was wondering what the difference would be to have the water inlet on the top and have it go down to the swirler on the bottom, or to to have the inlet on the bottom and have it enter a PVC elbow on the inside of the barrel to create the swirling motion.
I'm just learning about the doc and skippy style filters, so sorry if this is an obvious question.
Thanks!

 

[KennethO]

If it is going to be an upflow filter, aka skippy, then it doesn't matter. As long as the water comes in at the bottom. Coming threw the top and down threw the center with a pipe just simplifies the plumbing. Also less holes in the container, so less chance of leaks. Just make sure it kind of "T's" with elbows so it produces a swirling motion.

And I highly recommend a bottom drain in the filter to back flush. You'll be amazed at the gunk that piles up from the settling effect.

 

[DrDave]

How it gets to the bottom does matter with the Doc Bio Filter. For the best results, the geometry of the input must not interfere with the vortex created by the swirler.

 

[fishin4cars]

If it is going to be an upflow filter, aka skippy, then it doesn't matter. As long as the water comes in at the bottom. Coming threw the top and down threw the center with a pipe just simplifies the plumbing. Also less holes in the container, so less chance of leaks. Just make sure it kind of "T's" with elbows so it produces a swirling motion.

And I highly recommend a bottom drain in the filter to back flush. You'll be amazed at the gunk that piles up from the settling effect.

That last part is why you want the swirler bar, If you put then inlet for the side at the bottom there isn't enough area for the water to settle out. You want the water to start swirling about 4-8" above the bottom, if possible the bottom drain should then be on the direct bottom.

 

[DrDave]

I agree, it is not always possible, but the center/bottom is the absolute best place for the Dump valve.