I think it would be fine. Only problem I could see is too much current flow but you could tone that down. The only other thing is to make sure you run it through a bucket of water with prime it and charcoal to get rid of any pool chemicals.

 

As a pool owner I would say that using a pool filter to support aquatic life is a bad idea. First, a used filter will be chalked full of chemicals that will kill your fish. In many systems chemicals are fed through the skimmer (directly into the filter). Even smaller pool filters have at least 100lbs of sand in them. Replacing this sand with new sand or bioballs while at the same time making sure all the chemicals are washed out would be a tall task. A few months ago I replaced by old sand filter (150lbs) with a diatomous earth filter, and I had my hands full just getting the **** thing to the curb for trash. Couldn't imagine doing it with the intention of refilling it. In terms of water parameters it really doesn't take much doing to keep a pool in condition for swimming, but it takes an awful lot to sustain aquatic life. Second, you would go nuts from the noise from the pump that accompanies the filter. The pump for my 20,000 pool moves 3,500g per hour. Compare that to some of the outputs of the largest aquarium filters on the market today. Buying a new pool filter/pump would get you around the problem with chemicals. The nut jobs on MFK's have used pool filters to help keep their massive system's clean. Although it seems like the dude's with these 50,000g freshwater setups are not the classiest guys in the world. Long story longer you could do it, but it wouldn't be practical to use a pool filter.

 

Many have used pool filters for fish rooms that are on a common filtartion system. even the smallest would be too big for a tank of only a couple hundred gallons. The local Big Al's has one for their 780 gal shark tank. Getting the chemicals out of a filter would not be any sort of problem; dumping and rinsing the sand would do it. I wouldn't hesitate to use the sand from my filter in a tank.

 

Agreed that it would only be an option for an extremely large tank, but if you did have some huge tank, say 1000 gallons, it would be a cost effective solution. Since it's a diatomacious earth filter I know it would handle mechanical filtration but I'm not sure how well those handle bio.

Not the strangest question ever btw! :wink:

 

Dumping 100+lbs of sand and rinsing out the inside is no easy task. I would never even consider trying to rinse the filter sand to reuse it, considering the cost of new sand and chemicals that build up in the sand. If it is indeed a DE filter I would be even more hesitant. There will be little to no bio filtration and the media can be dangerous to your health . When I purchased the DE filter for my pool the retailer provided me with a few breathing masks and gloves to use when changing the media, its consistency resembles powdered sugar and due to its nature can cause lung problems if accidentally exhaled in large amounts. Also, it will discolor anything it comes in contact with for an extended period. In both sand and DE you will need to backwash or recharge the media which entails draining large amounts of water, so you will have to run a hose outside or to the tub about once a month. Let me know if you try it. Needless to say, I would never consider using one in place where I live, sleep, and eat (not to mention where kids live). Not saying it wouldn't work, but not worth the hassle to me. Coming from someone who has owned and maintained both for a large inground pool.

 

DB. Delete.

 

I would never consider filling it with the pool media..I was just wondering if it was possible to put some trays in there (like in a canister filter), with bioballs etc..which would negate the heavy load of sand issue and hazordous chemicals as media. Essentially I was just wondering if you could literally turn it into a canister filter that is just a lot stronger. I guess Im just sick of paying a 98% mark up on filters because they are "fish filters". But I guess it comes with the territory :fish:
Anyways thanks...lol and I wont be trying it

 

It’s basically just a big canister with an external pump…

I use a BioForce 2000 Pond Pump for a large indoor tank and it works wonderful…

Although the pool filter is rated for UP TO 4,000 gph… that doesn’t mean you’ll have to run it that high…

I would consider the most critical part to be planning filter maintenance. Since they are designed to be used in a yard, not a living room, you may need to customize some details there.

If I had a filter that was designed to use sand as media I would definitely use sand as media. I would also use other media prior to the sand to pull out the big stuff, but sand will make a very nice “micron filterâ€

 

You might take a look at power consumption too. Not sure how many watts those pool filter pumps run at, but I know my XP3 uses significantly less power than most pumps. Just something to consider, probably not a make or break.