Multiple tank filtration.

Hi members,

Im planning on setting up 9-12 ,2ft tanks. I need some ideas on filtration,heating and airation. Can i go for one big sump? But then how do i keep the water levels right ect and can i do my heating and airation there or should all the tank have its own. Obviousy i like the most cost effective method that work and with less maintanance because im not planning to have a income from this.

Any ideas please.

thanks

Ric

 

You could do one sump for all, but it would require some clever plumbing. The main issues I see with this type of setup though are....

1) If disease outbreaks in one tank, it is passed to all...
2) If you require a lower pH in one tank for purposes of breeding, then you will be stuck...
3) As above but with Temp, Hardness, etc...
4) If it fails, for any reason, it fails for all tanks.

Personally I would look at one sump for every two to three tanks, or even better (especially if the idea is for Apisto breeding, or any other breeding for that matter?) use sponge filters plumbed up to one big air pump, or a few smaller pumps if you should need to turn some off at some point? Spoge filters are great for breedding tanks as they do not suck the fry in and kill them, and lots of Aufwuchs gets stuck on them, and the fry can pick away at it as an extra source of food.

If the tank needs extra filtration.... add an extra sponge filter. Easy!

Hope that helps?

Regards
G!

 

Thanks G. Some clever insight. yes it would be for breeding apistos as discussed previously. I think i shall investigate the spondge filter route with one big pump. Any idea on output to run 12 filters? Then only the heaters, 50w would do i suppose.

 

I think rather go for 100w to be safe?

Ideally, as stated elsewhere before, you want the temp at around 26'C. This should give the best chance of an even split of males and females from any spawns? Its reckoned that too high a temp gives more males, and too low more females.

I wouldn't know what size pump would run that many? I used seperate pumps, the Dophin 7300's. These had two outputs, so one pump could run two tanks. This was a bit of a nightmare though trying to keep track of what pump was plugged in where! Cabling was a big issue, thats why one big pump would probably work best?

Regards
G!

 

You can also try and insulate the tanks with Styrofoam on the back and sides.
That will also keep the running cost down.

Regards.

 

That is a good tip, unless most of your heat is coming from in room heaters like panel heaters? Some people set up panels to warm the room, rather than each individual tank. Just another option to explore, but I avoided this method as it would require a well insulated room, and some sort of regulatory device to stop the tanks becoming too hot.

Also, most of the heat is lost through the top of the tank, so a glass lid will also help keep heat in the tank, and seriously reduce condensation problems, and water loss through evaporation! Yo can always add a sheet of Polystyrene to the lid over night to help reduce heat loss further.

Not quite to do with the filtration, but helpful stuff none the less?!

Regards
G!

 

The setup would be in my garage and there is full floor carpets. We have not so cold winters in George but any tip on saving cost is good, thanks.

 

Lekke MTS !!!!

 

hahahah, da kry jy my terug!

 

@Go-Big, I would like to suggest that you invest in a larger air pump, or like me, a vortex blower.
This way, you run 20/25mm irrigation pipe around the frames of the tanks, and only use a short piece of airline tube to each filter.
It is also better to use 100W heaters, as 50w could be hard to find etc.
Come visit in CT, and I can show you/give some tips.
Good luck.

 

HMF per tank that uses a heated air lift for circulation.

 

More Gert

This vortex blower does sound like a good idea but how is the noise levels? When im in CT ill give you a shout.

Thanks for the input gert.

Ric

 

Is dit dit?

 

I found 14x (900x35x40) tank. What can i offer them for this. Tanks only and in fair condition.