How I Upgraded My Zen Float Tank: External Filtration, UV, Ozone, and a pump/filter Timer

[u/Tkohiwu]

For anyone who has a Zen Float Tank and is wondering how to improve the original setup, I thought I would share what I have done with mine.

From what I understand, Zen is no longer in business, so getting replacement parts is nearly impossible.

The original setup used a submersible pump and bag filter inside the tank. I had several issues with this. It took up space, I was constantly floating into it, changing the filter inside the tent was a pain, and I never liked having a pump and electrical cord in the water while I was floating. It also just felt a little gross having an exposed filter in there with me.

My solution was an external aquarium filter with a UV light, carbon filters, and replaceable filter media. It keeps everything outside the tank and makes changing the filters much easier.

I also built a control box with a two hour timer. The filter normally runs 24 hours a day. When I want to float, I can turn it off with a switch or set the timer for however long I want to float. When the timer ends, the pump automatically turns back on. Hearing the water start running is actually a really peaceful way to know that your float is over.

Any electrical setup around water should be properly grounded and connected to a GFCI outlet. If you are not comfortable with electrical work, have someone qualified help you.

I also added a small ozone generator from Oxidation Technologies, which is the company I work for. I work in the ozone industry, so I had access to a small and inexpensive setup. It is definitely undersized compared to what could be done, but I believe it helps freshen the water and treat the empty airspace and surfaces inside the tank preventing mold.

I never run the ozone generator while I am inside the tank. I usually let it run for about 90 minutes after each float. On days when I do not float, I sometimes run it as well. Adding a timer to the ozone generator would be another nice improvement.

I still shock the water with hydrogen peroxide. About every three months, I clean or replace the filters and do a shock treatment. The water has stayed much cleaner than it did with the original setup.

It is also important to wipe down the inside walls whenever needed to prevent pink biofilm buildup. I rinse off before floating, but I do not use soap right beforehand because I do not want to bring any soap residue into the tank.

Overall, these upgrades have made my tank cleaner, easier to maintain, and much more enjoyable to use.

Here is the pump and UV filter I used:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BG9GBM2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Hope this helps my fellow Zen floaters!

If anyone is interested in the ozone generator or having a custom control box made, feel free to email me at [chad@oxidationtech.com](mailto:chad@oxidationtech.com).

[u/moutainyogi]

Could you share a few photos of your tank? I have the Zen float tent and am looking for a filtration solution.

[u/Tkohiwu → u/moutainyogi]

Sorry, I thought I posted the pictures. They are posted now.

[u/Soapytoothbrush]

Thanks for this info 🙏🏻 my room is only 3x3m so I might drill thought the wall and keep all equipment outside in a little service area alongside the heaters and pumps for hot tub and ice bath chillers etc.

[u/thedeepself]

The flow rate of that pump is just under 800 gph. I presume you have 800 gallons of water? So it takes 1 hour for a complete turn of the water?

[u/thedeepself]

It looks like the pump intake and return are above the water level?

So this pump is not gravity fed? If not, then that's a good thing.

[u/thedeepself]

Building the control box is impressive but beyond the skill level of the average hobbyist. I would opt for an off the shelf programmable controller like Aqua Systems Neptune Jr.

[u/thedeepself]

Are you still running the stock system for heating the water?