DIY filter system for a Cichlid breeding room

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
P

prcdslnc13

Gambusia
MFK Member
Nov 20, 2008
188
0
16
IL
Some how I convinced the fiance it would be a great idea to make an African cichlid breeding facility in the basement. The crazy thing is I didnt even have to try haha:grinno::grinno:. Shes just that awesome.

Anyway now I gotta design the thing. Ive got 3 30 gallon (36x12.5x16) and 2 20L (30x12.5x13) that Im going to use. Possibly a 20H also I havent decided. So im looking at 130-150 gallons of tank water in the system. I pulled the sump off my 125 a few months ago so I think im going to use it and a PCX-30 pump that has a max of 850 gph.

The sump has room for about 4 gallons of "dry" bio media and I can get another gallon of submerged under it. I was going to use the DIY PVC over flows with 1 in pipe in each tank Culminating into 1 1.25" pipe to the sump and then 1" returns, with a ball valve to each tank so I can adjust individual flow rates.

the tanks will all be on the same level sitting length wise so "sides" (narrow part) will be the front and the back.

Im working on a drawing of all this so I can get it in my head. But How does this sound to you guys? Ive never plumbed an entire system of tanks before.
 
Sounds about right. Post up that sketch!
 
Well here ya go. I modeled it so I could play with some ideas. A couple things.
1. on the back side the pipes on the right of the tanks are the returns, left are over flows.
2. youll have to imagine the pump, over flow loops, and ball valves. I didnt feel like modeling those quite yet.
3. I didnt model the size change in the convergence pipe for the same reason.

Input is greatly appreciated thats why I made this. Plese check it out. I gotta go do real work now.

Thanks Guys!!!!

cichlid1.JPG

cichlid2.jpg
 
Do you realize that you have the overflows and the return lines plumbed together? Or is it just the drawing angle?
 
yea thats just the drawing. When I patterned it overthey did that I got frustrated with the whole thing. But no they would be seperate in real life.
 
Looks pretty straight forward then.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom