I will be looking to do a rack of 3 tanks. 5' x 1' x 1' with same flow idea as you have in mind.
Would like to see your build process.
Hillstream tank build?
- Thread starter KansasSunfish
- Start date
Would like to see your build process.
I like the hillstream Idea. I'd run some larger pumps than other builds I've seen If I were to attempt it. Most people just don't get enough real flow. I'd get 2x 1000gph pumps and set up foam filter pads on each end. like a mattenfilter pad with the return and intake behind the foam pads. I think that way you could get a more linear flow than just a couple jets of water right from a pump. If you did the foam pads you probably wouldn't even need any type of filtration either, big 3" thick foam pads would be plenty.
Building in restrictions inside the tank would also help speed up flow and make it more like a river. Like making a section of the tank shallow so it would force water to move faster than other places, you could also build in a narrow restriction with rocks to increase flow in a certain area.
Building in restrictions inside the tank would also help speed up flow and make it more like a river. Like making a section of the tank shallow so it would force water to move faster than other places, you could also build in a narrow restriction with rocks to increase flow in a certain area.
The filter pad idea sounds feasible. I was thinking of perhaps going 2" taller and installing a false bottom like the Panta Rhei stream flow. with the overflow above the inlet causing a circular flow.
I also think running a small sump would help in water quality management and keep the tank open for optimal decoration.
The idea to narrow the tank in some places is also something I have been giving thought to. Some places could be narrowed with rocks or DIY 3D background. Other places can be shallower at the inlet side making riffles. This should allow fish wanting a break to head to the opposite end of the tank to do so. A few well placed emergent plants could help for this too.
Something like this :
But that is extreme and very noisy. I'm sure the pumps on this are massive. If you downsized the design you wouldn't need as much flow. And that whole tank is sloped, so the water is running downhill which is also increasing the speed.
But that is extreme and very noisy. I'm sure the pumps on this are massive. If you downsized the design you wouldn't need as much flow. And that whole tank is sloped, so the water is running downhill which is also increasing the speed.
I am looking at placing a 4500l/h external pump on diverted or in series on 3 150cmx30cmx30cm. Going to have to play to find correct flow I am looking for. Also, varying flow over time to simulate real streams.
KansasSunfish
What flow rate you looking at?
KansasSunfish
What flow rate you looking at?
Unfortunately, it looks like I will not be doing this project after all. As it turns out the glass that I salvaged is tempered. So there will be no cutting it to size for the end pieces.
I thought this was the case most shelving made of glass is tempered.
But you can still do this project, Don't give up so easily.
All you need to do is source some end panels.
You can still use the long sections even if they are tempered.
For the sizes you need for the sides the prices should be very reasonable.
You would need four pieces 12" X 11 1/4 " that is pretty small shouldn't cost to much for that.
You may want to go 12" X 11 1/8 this would allow the small space you would need for the silicone between the panels.
But you can still do this project, Don't give up so easily.
All you need to do is source some end panels.
You can still use the long sections even if they are tempered.
For the sizes you need for the sides the prices should be very reasonable.
You would need four pieces 12" X 11 1/4 " that is pretty small shouldn't cost to much for that.
You may want to go 12" X 11 1/8 this would allow the small space you would need for the silicone between the panels.
