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Post by Shawn(snakebite) on Dec 10, 2006 22:56:07 GMT -5
I was wandering if anyone has any experience in making there own filter sysytem for such things as an outdoor pool type lagoon or pond habitat.I've been looking into it lately and find it quite fascinating .I plan on getting into this in the future and using such homeade systems for filtering my turtle enclosures.According to resources , it is very inexpensive, as welll as very good quality filtration.Anyways I have my own ideas as to how I am going to build mine , but am curious as to if anyone else has done such a project and am interested in hearing their design opininons and experience.
Also , I have a question for all you city folk that frequent the surrounding stores as to your advice on obtaining PVC or large plastic tubs of sorts.I am going to be updating in the near future and am starting to look around for larger water enclosures that I can tweak a bit for my use .I know there is a dealer now that sells Waterland tubs , specifically made for turts , but I am curious as to shop around myself so I can get creative ideas as to design and how I might incorporate certain types or designs of tubs.Anyone reccommend a good place to find such livestock type tubs or moulded pools? I appreciate the info in advance..thanks.
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Post by kaley on Dec 10, 2006 23:07:09 GMT -5
We've never actually built one, but we have looked into it for our koi pond. There are lots of good plans on the net, and lots of different types for different applications. My understanding is that they make perfectly good filters - I like the idea because you can make it perfectly suitable for your specific set-up...If you decide on one specific plan, let me know - because like I said, we're interested too!
As for stock tanks - We are lucky in that we can get a large (~4x4x4 - cut down) plastic tanks from Byron's work that are used to hold chemicals - they are sometimes used for potable water, so they are safe!! But, just before we thought to use these, I was looking for tanks for my turtles...The best deal I found was Rubbermaid stock tanks from Peavey Mart. I've never heard of the special ones just for turtles...
Kaley
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Post by Shawn(snakebite) on Dec 10, 2006 23:30:03 GMT -5
Yeah , its www.waterlandtubs.com, They look alright and the price is not even as bad as I thought, but I'd like to look around.Apparantly there is a Canadian supplier of them out in Ontario, I think. So , these stock tanks Byron gets , what are they clear or black , and any kickin around that are up for grabs. Yes , Peavey Mart , I have checked them out . Thanks for your input. Oh , and yes the filter thing , I will let you know when I start getting on that project.
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Post by kaley on Dec 11, 2006 11:49:34 GMT -5
Those waterland tubs look neat - It's about time someone made something specific for turts!
Anyways, Byron can get you a big tub...they are white plastic, with a metal frame around them to prevent bowing...I think the actual dimensions are 39" by 48" by however high you want to cut it to...they are free, but you'd have to find a way to pick it up in Saskatoon.
Also, they do take a fair bit of cleaning (pressure washer and steam wouldn't hurt!), but once they are properly cleaned they are safe to use for drinking water - and I've had my koi in one for a couple of months with no problem, and I'm getting one right away for the turts...(The safety of these tanks for drinking water in not guaranteed by Byron's company - this would be a "at your own risk" sort of thing - but we were told by the chemical company that they are safe!!)
They have a valve at the bottom that fits 2" plumbing - I plan to hook up some sort of system so that the tank can drain directly into a floor drain for easy cleaning...I'll take some pics of the koi tank for you tonight, if you are interested!
Kaley
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Post by Shawn(snakebite) on Dec 11, 2006 17:44:05 GMT -5
Yeah , that sounds excellent , would love to see piks of the tubs for sure.What were they used for originally and how thick are they , I mean how high , would it have to be cut down prior to being transferred for easier shipping. They sound great and I appreciate the offer.I would definately be able to pik one up at some point in time. My main concern is the safety of the tub.You say you have Koi in one such tub and there has been no ill effects , right?As you know I have some valuable turts and I wouldn't want to risk their health in any way by a possible toxic tub.Like I said I am curious as to what they held for chemical and is it possible to get a tub that you know only was only used for potable water.?I appreciate the info and look forward to piks and any other info you can give me on the tubs.....Thanks
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Post by kaley on Dec 11, 2006 18:40:59 GMT -5
Here are a couple pics...along with a charming pile of laundry For our koi, we cut it down to the width of a standard door - I would have left it full size if I could have gotten it into the house!! For the turts, I plan to cut it down to 2' tall... I know what you mean about the safety...but Byron asked several people from the chemical company, and everyone said the tubs are safe, and that several people clean them out and use them to store drinking water...And, yes, the koi and goldfish are just fine after several months. The chemical that the tubs originally contained is called "Polyheed 997" ...Here is the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the chemical: www.basf-admixtures.com/NR/rdonlyres/BBEFCD50-4950-45B8-944C-05524A75940A/0/Polyheed_997_MSDS606.pdfLooks a little scary at first, but really, after looking at it, I'm not worried...OF COURSE you HAVE to clean the tub well before using it - the chemical guys recommended steaming, if possible... No skin off my nose if you aren't comfortable using it - but they are free!! And I feel OK putting my turts and koi in them - if my opinion's worth anything to ya! ;D Let me know! Kaley
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Post by Shawn(snakebite) on Dec 11, 2006 22:22:02 GMT -5
No , your opinion is worth NOTHING to me!!! .......Ha ..Ha ;D...just jokes ....Yes , I beleive you when you say that they are safe......when cleaned of course.It is a great option and thank you for the info on them and the piks. I am still in thinking mode and if a Saskatoon trip ever arises I will be sure to probably snag one if avavilable at that time.I am in no rush a s of now , but it is definately something I will be looking into more come spring.Keep me posted on their availability , if you could please...it would be appreciated.
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Post by kaley on Dec 12, 2006 10:23:35 GMT -5
No , your opinion is worth NOTHING to me!!! .......Ha ..Ha ;D...just jokes LOL... ;D No problem - I think that there are generally a few kicking around...give us a bit of notice if you'd like one, and I'm pretty sure it can be arranged just about whenever... Kaley
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Post by Shawn(snakebite) on Dec 13, 2006 22:57:57 GMT -5
Thanks a bunch , Kaley & Byron . I will definately keep this in mind for the future and will give you notice if I am ever headed that way. Much appreciated. ;D
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