This filter works great and is simple to build. My configuration has the filter higher than the culture tank, I use an airlift so that the fecal strings are not macerated. Having the filter below the tank and a separate pump sump after the filter would be even better.
Looking good. I no longer use a bottom drain to dump the solids. It might be handy to have but using a shop-vac to suck the sludge out is more thorough/reliable.