Aliflor Gravel Bed tank.

[M Cosmo]

I have built a Gravel bed which will be the first place the effluent goes after the fish tank. It will sit on top of the float bed under the Vertigro. It is a 12" x 12"  by 10' fiberglass column sleeve.

 

I am filling it with Aliflor which is like Hydroton but cheaper. Here are some pics of the Gravel bed. I also created a photo album. 

I cut holes in the top so it will still have support.

 

I used the cut out top sections to make the ends.  

Sealed inside edges

I sealed it with 5200 that is the best stuff. 

I built a barrier to hold a filter to keep it cleaner where the bell or loop siphon

I then added some paint and graphics to make it look good. 

Vinyl graphics on the sides. 

I will post more photos when I fill it, cut the drain and plant it. 

[Daniel E Murphy]

Sweet!

[Sahib Punjabi]

Too good :-)

[George T]

I am filling it with Aliflor which is like Hydroton but cheaper.</<br />
Who was your source for Aliflor?

[M Cosmo]

Just an fyi - When you see blue type in a posting it is a link. Aliflor
http://www.tropicalplantproducts.com/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=2...

[George T]

Thanks. Are you using the medium size and did they give you a bulk price?

I see they have ground charcoal too if anyone would like to try it as a substitute for vermiculite.

[M Cosmo]

I bought the unwashed med. $19 a bag. they may not get anymore after this shipment. They have quite a bit now. They buy it by the container load. I find it a little rougher than hydroton but half the price. I like it.

[Daniel E Murphy]

How much was shipping on the large bag?


Michael Cosmo said:

Just an fyi - When you see blue type in a posting it is a link. Aliflor
http://www.tropicalplantproducts.com/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=2...

[M Cosmo]

Sorry I live close enough that I pick it up. You should check with Orchid growing suppliers in your area. If you need a lot it may be worth picking it up.

[M Cosmo]

I have filled the gravel bed with the washed Aliflor. Here are some pics. I will plumb the fish thank to it and then put in the loop siphon. Take a look at it. I have a divider at the drain end. It will have some of Nates material for a filter. 2" bulkhead drain on bottom. This has a temp pipe in it to prevent it from draining into the float bed untilI am ready. More pics after I put the siphon into it and the loop siphon out which will take place when the Master Plumber comes on Thursday. Rember you can click on the pic to see it larger.

[George T]

Very nice looking grow bed. Will you reach across the float bed to access the aliflor bed? How many cu ft of aliflor are in the bed? I think cu ft = about 7 gals - Does that sound right to you?

[M Cosmo]

The Aliflor bed is 12x12 x 10ft. I blocked off a off about 6 running inches. So it is about 9 cu ft. I put 9 cu ft of Aliflor in it. It sits about 6" over the float bed. The float bed is 16ft long and about 24" wide. When I have the Vertigro hanging you will be able to see the size better. Looks good doesn't it.

[Daniel E Murphy]

Looks classy and Floridian.


Michael Cosmo said:

The Aliflor bed is 12x12 x 10ft. I blocked off a off about 6 running inches. So it is about 9 cu ft. I put 9 cu ft of Aliflor in it. It sits about 6" over the float bed. The float bed is 16ft long and about 24" wide. When I have the Vertigro hanging you will be able to see the size better. Looks good doesn't it.