tidal tank

[Dr Joe]

There are reverible pumps but what I meant was the timer in that link can perform three fuctions so OFF, Pump #1 ON, and Pump #2 ON. Two small pumps are cheaper than a small reversible one like this 3 gpm one, http://www.pumpbiz.com/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=pump_model_detail&product_id=6650&series_id=490

The three way timer and 2 small pumps is also cheaper than a single pump and a timed diverter valve, and a lot easier to set up.

That's what I had hoped I understood, thanks for the reply. Nice pump, but ...expensive.

 

[Dr Joe]

How big a tank and what % lower at low than high?

How about 2 of these 80 gph at 0' head but only about 28 gph at the height you want, $15.95 each. If 28 gph is still too high just add a T-valve on the tubing on each side to shunt unneeded flow back into the side being pumped from. Cheap and easy.
http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=PON-02520

This pump a has built-in adjustable flow rate so no need for a 't' fitting, it has it's own shunt.

Nice little pump, I think I'll order a couple if shipping doesn't double the price. Good find.

 

[ukpoduk]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what are mud skippers? Sounds interesting. Florida has an abundance of fiddler crabs...and if you have an abundance of mud skippers, I am thinking of a trade


MUD SKIPPERS MEDIUMSZIE FISH THAT LIVE MAINLY ON DAMP LAND, THEY ORIGINAL FROM MUD FLATS AND MANGROVE AREAS, MOST PEOPLE HAVE THEM IN TANK WITH HALF WATER HALF SAND TANK, BUT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE MORE NATRAUL .

 

[ukpoduk]

ive thought about it and with a lot of testing you could fo it with just 2 air pumps and some L shaped tubing.
putting the pipe in the water so the right angle joint is on the top, and putting the air feed in the bottom of the pipe your get a water coming out of the top , the bigger the pump the more water you get flowing though,
putting the air pump on for 4 hours with a an over flow at the max hieght you want the water ,

 

[CHOMPERS]

Solenoid 3 way in stainless 3/8" $99 each.
I was thinking about those little pumps you found that you said didn't have enough head pressure. Mount the pumps in the tank instead of below it and 19" should be plenty.

The three way is nice to know about, but components at that price will make the project on a whole too expensive.

I love the idea of the two tiny pumps. Sand is really porous stuff, so stuff them in panty hose and hide them in the sand. To prevent one side from pumping itself dry, have an overflow hole(s) in the separation bulkhead. Set each pump on a digital timer, and sit back & watch the show. Just bring four hours worth of pop-corn.

Two Harbor Freight mini pumps - ten dollars
Two Home Depot digital timers - twenty dollars
Problem solved for under a hundred bucks - priceless

 

[davo]

they are the fish on the new guiness advert. or look like this. there are a few spp. of mudskippers, but they are reasonably similar in appearence

 

[Dr Joe]

ive thought about it and with a lot of testing you could fo it with just 2 air pumps and some L shaped tubing.
putting the pipe in the water so the right angle joint is on the top, and putting the air feed in the bottom of the pipe your get a water coming out of the top , the bigger the pump the more water you get flowing though,
putting the air pump on for 4 hours with a an over flow at the max hieght you want the water ,

Are you speaking of air lift tubes? That's an interesting idea. Might need a rather heavy duty air pump tho. I'm gonna have to try this...interesting.

 

[ukpoduk]

sort of the same idea has the air powered skimmers, the more bubbles you use the beter it should work , even if it only makes a trickle of water so long as by 4 hours its filled to other side of the tank to high tide it doesnt mater ,. keep us intouch if it works for you

 

[CHOMPERS]

BEWARE of harbor freight, they have way too many neat things at good prices. Now if they would just carry aquariums

I just got another coupon in my email. I'll be at your place in two hours. Ya ready?

Actually, I was going to go today and shoot for a prototype. I can't resist a cool idea like this one.

 

[Dr Joe]

I just got another coupon in my email. I'll be at your place in two hours. Ya ready?

Actually, I was going to go today and shoot for a prototype. I can't resist a cool idea like this one.

Is it done yet? Huh...Huh...IS IT DONE YET !?! PIctures !!! HOW ABOUT NOW... IS IT DONE NOW ?!!

Mines almost done, I just need to get a few things ( pvc pipe, a couple of pumps, some air stones, fix a tank, some plexy for a divider, sand, crabs, mud skippers).
I already got the water .