[fishwolfe]

is the sand in a fbf supposed to tumble or bubble around?i have a d.i.y idea and just wondering about how much flow needs to go through the sand.

 

[prov356]

is the sand in a fbf supposed to tumble or bubble around?i have a d.i.y idea and just wondering about how much flow needs to go through the sand.

Yes, there needs to be lots of movement and water circulation around the sand, so much so that it 'tumbles and bubbles' like you said. Key is keeping that movement and not allowing any areas to compact. Well oxygenated water should circulate continuously around the sand and feed the nitrifying bacteria colonizing the sand surfaces.

 

[fishwolfe]

thanks.i just wanted to make sure since all the pics i see the sand is just laying there.

 

[lloyd]

my sand resembles the contents of a slushie machine, when rolling perfectly. it should be compact enough, to assure no sand escapes via the output. in my tower, sand takes up approx. 30% of it's total height, when rolling.
the biggest PITA i have, with my DIY FBF, is power outages. mine will not restart without manually adjusting the input.

 

[fishwolfe]

could you post pics or give more details please