Need some advice on filter setup

dloetzer · 11-10-2008, 08:58 PM

I own three freshwater fish tanks. They are all up and running fine, but i am running out of surge protectors and time to change water. They each have their own individual filtration setups. So I am looking for some advice on building or designing my own sump/reservoir filter system. I do not even know where to start? Where can i buy or get an idea of the sort of system I am looking for?

Kalavek · 11-10-2008, 09:16 PM

Google searches for "wet dry sump DIY" might point you in the right direction. LOTS of stuff out there, just depends on what works for you.

You're planning on using the same sump for all three tanks?

FroggyFox · 11-10-2008, 11:21 PM

Sorry I can't help much, but I moved the thread to equipment, if you'd rather have it in DIY let me know...I couldn't decide which one was better.

Chris_A · 11-11-2008, 12:19 AM

Probably the best place to start for hands on learning is a LFS that is running a central system. Just make friends with someone who has the authority to show you their system.

So far as running a central system... explaining that one could take a fair bit lol

.

Just keep in mind the Overflow amount during a power outage, make sure to drill siphon breaks on your returns and to prevent the spread of disease between tanks always, ALWAYS run a sufficiently large enough (for your flow rate) UV after the pump and before the return outlets. If you keep those three main things in mind you should be able to avoid most of the long term headaches including WFS (Wet Floor Syndrom)

.

Almost everything else after that is all about what you want the sump to do.

Chris

dloetzer · 11-15-2008, 08:05 AM

They will all have the same sump, it would not be economical two use more than one because they are three small tanks 20, 20, 55, with live bearers and i keep females and males in small ones and just random fish in the 55 with a small quarantine area for fry.

I will keep those things in mind, but might a single inline filtration setup just split b/w the three tanks be ok as well, I am worried it might allow disease to spread very quickly.

Froggy you can leave it here, thanks

Chris_A · 11-15-2008, 12:17 PM

Absolutely, one sump with one return pump into one UV then the return line splits into 3, one for each tank. Because the tanks are such different sizes (2 small, one bigger) combine your desired flow (after taking into account head pressure) for all three tanks to get your return pump size. That will dictate your UV model. Then put a ball valves, or better yet gate valves, on the 2 20's returns and let the return to the 55 be open to help reduce back pressure on the pump. You could put a valve on the 55's line for safety but try to leave it open.

If you can post a pic of your set up I might be able to make an educated guess on a return pump and set up in general. If the tanks are close together it helps, farther apart = more elbows and fittings = more head pressure, its a killer ($$ pumps). That's the other consideration, UV's that can handle high flow and remain effective are not cheap either.

Chris

Chris_A · 11-15-2008, 01:26 PM

I just went and did a little digging, here's a link to a UV system I would recommend. I've used these units when I worked at a LFS and can definitely say they are good. My only complaint is the water depth (between the quartz sleeve and filter wall) seems a little big to me. That said though, they seem to work well and have been on the market for YEARS

.

Pentair Aquatics

Like I said before, which model you need is dictated by your flow rate through the unit.

Chris

11-10-2008, 08:58 PM	#1
dloetzer Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 8	Need some advice on filter setup I own three freshwater fish tanks. They are all up and running fine, but i am running out of surge protectors and time to change water. They each have their own individual filtration setups. So I am looking for some advice on building or designing my own sump/reservoir filter system. I do not even know where to start? Where can i buy or get an idea of the sort of system I am looking for?

11-10-2008, 09:16 PM	#2
Kalavek Little Fish Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 169	Google searches for "wet dry sump DIY" might point you in the right direction. LOTS of stuff out there, just depends on what works for you. You're planning on using the same sump for all three tanks? __________________ 45g: Severely Understocked with 7 Zebra Danios, 1 Gold Spot Pleco 25g: Emptied for silicone replacement

11-10-2008, 11:21 PM	#3
FroggyFox Forum Manager Join Date: May 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 8,479	Sorry I can't help much, but I moved the thread to equipment, if you'd rather have it in DIY let me know...I couldn't decide which one was better. __________________ 29, 46 & 55FW 29 SW + dog + horse + catYou can view info & photos of my critters here...

11-11-2008, 12:19 AM	#4
Chris_A Large Fish Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 615	Probably the best place to start for hands on learning is a LFS that is running a central system. Just make friends with someone who has the authority to show you their system. So far as running a central system... explaining that one could take a fair bit lol . Just keep in mind the Overflow amount during a power outage, make sure to drill siphon breaks on your returns and to prevent the spread of disease between tanks always, ALWAYS run a sufficiently large enough (for your flow rate) UV after the pump and before the return outlets. If you keep those three main things in mind you should be able to avoid most of the long term headaches including WFS (Wet Floor Syndrom) . Almost everything else after that is all about what you want the sump to do. Chris __________________ Not a hobby... A way of life!

11-15-2008, 12:17 PM	#6
Chris_A Large Fish Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 615	Absolutely, one sump with one return pump into one UV then the return line splits into 3, one for each tank. Because the tanks are such different sizes (2 small, one bigger) combine your desired flow (after taking into account head pressure) for all three tanks to get your return pump size. That will dictate your UV model. Then put a ball valves, or better yet gate valves, on the 2 20's returns and let the return to the 55 be open to help reduce back pressure on the pump. You could put a valve on the 55's line for safety but try to leave it open. If you can post a pic of your set up I might be able to make an educated guess on a return pump and set up in general. If the tanks are close together it helps, farther apart = more elbows and fittings = more head pressure, its a killer ($$ pumps). That's the other consideration, UV's that can handle high flow and remain effective are not cheap either. Chris __________________ Not a hobby... A way of life! Last edited by Chris_A; 11-15-2008 at 12:20 PM..

11-15-2008, 08:05 AM	#5
dloetzer Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 8	They will all have the same sump, it would not be economical two use more than one because they are three small tanks 20, 20, 55, with live bearers and i keep females and males in small ones and just random fish in the 55 with a small quarantine area for fry. I will keep those things in mind, but might a single inline filtration setup just split b/w the three tanks be ok as well, I am worried it might allow disease to spread very quickly. Froggy you can leave it here, thanks

11-15-2008, 01:26 PM	#7
Chris_A Large Fish Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 615	I just went and did a little digging, here's a link to a UV system I would recommend. I've used these units when I worked at a LFS and can definitely say they are good. My only complaint is the water depth (between the quartz sleeve and filter wall) seems a little big to me. That said though, they seem to work well and have been on the market for YEARS . Pentair Aquatics Like I said before, which model you need is dictated by your flow rate through the unit. Chris __________________ Not a hobby... A way of life!