Diy grow out rack

[Rob909]

I want to build a rack for 8 tanks, on two levels, with 4 tanks each. I’m a bit curious on filtration though. I plan on drilling each tank with one intake and one overflow/drain hole at the top of each. Two holes per tank. Should the two holes be level? For now, I plan to run the system off a single canister filter until I upgrade my 125, then I’ll use the sump that’s running that tank. This is not a quarantine setup, so other than disease/parasites spreading through the entire loop, what are the concerns with this type of setup?What are the chances of overflow, or the canister running dry with this system? I could have overlooked a major downfall in this, but I’m turning here for advice before all materials are purchased. I know a sump will make much more sense for this setup, but for now, a canister is what I have to spare for filtration.

Thanks in advance for any advice/feedback!

 

[Backfromthedead]

I want to build a rack for 8 tanks, on two levels, with 4 tanks each. I’m a bit curious on filtration though. I plan on drilling each tank with one intake and one overflow/drain hole at the top of each. Two holes per tank. Should the two holes be level? For now, I plan to run the system off a single canister filter until I upgrade my 125, then I’ll use the sump that’s running that tank. This is not a quarantine setup, so other than disease/parasites spreading through the entire loop, what are the concerns with this type of setup?What are the chances of overflow, or the canister running dry with this system? I could have overlooked a major downfall in this, but I’m turning here for advice before all materials are purchased. I know a sump will make much more sense for this setup, but for now, a canister is what I have to spare for filtration.

Thanks in advance for any advice/feedback!
View attachment 1410592

You would have to make sure the drains were sufficiently high enough on the top tanks to ensure the bottom tanks dont flood in the case of a power outage.

Canister should not run dry ever imo. But you may have problems commencing flow from the can if the power is cut. Its possible the pump on the can might not be powerful enough to re-establish the loop without priming. Especially if it is full of gunk. I would test it thoroughly before putting it into use.

Other than that you'll need backup/emergency drains on each tank imo. If just one tank gets clogged in this setup it will be a mess.

 

[Rob909]

You would have to make sure the drains were sufficiently high enough on the top tanks to ensure the bottom tanks dont flood in the case of a power outage.

Canister should not run dry ever imo. But you may have problems commencing flow from the can if the power is cut. Its possible the pump on the can might not be powerful enough to re-establish the loop without priming. Especially if it is full of gunk. I would test it thoroughly before putting it into use.

Other than that you'll need backup/emergency drains on each tank imo. If just one tank gets clogged in this setup it will be a mess.

I was also thinking about emergency drains. I’m thinking about using a 1” bulkhead to keep the drain from clogging as easily as well. But I can imagine it would be really bad if one were to clog.

If my final overflow drain was plumbed to the canister, wouldn’t this prevent overflow from clogs? As long as the previous tanks were able to hold the volume from the canister, eventually the clog would cause the canister to run dry and stop sending water to the initial tank in the loop (in theory)

You’re absolutely right about thorough testing though, I wouldn’t want to find out something leaks or overflows once it’s inside the house.

One question though, can you help me understand the risk of power outage flooding the lower tanks? Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t a cut in power stop the pump, then the overflow drains would stop draining water, so the lower tanks wouldn’t receive any more water either right? Or am I oversimplifying? I think worst case scenario, I’d just have to run the drain a little lower on the final tank so it could handle a little extra water when the power cuts off.

 

[Rob909]

Just to clarify since I didn’t say it in the initial post, each drain would be connected to the intake of the next tank in the loop. Tank one drains into tank 2, 2 to 3, etc. Tank 8 would get the drain that leads to the canister, and tank 1 would essentially get the cleanest water as it comes out of the canister.

 

[Hendre]

I think the worry is a backwards siphon, if the outlet is above water level then I see no issue. I'd just make sure there's enough O2 for the filter bacteria after going through many fish.

 

[Rob909]

I think the worry is a backwards siphon, if the outlet is above water level then I see no issue. I'd just make sure there's enough O2 for the filter bacteria after going through many fish.

Good call, I can add a check valve to the lines on the canister.
Another good suggestion on o2 for the bacteria. I imagine flow would be steady, but not very turbulent since there isn’t an actual pump feeding each tank. I’ll have to rig up an air line manifold to airate the tanks. With the strongest air flow going to the final tank before it hits the filter.

 

[Rass]

Honestly I think it would be much simpler to use a simple sump setup. It can be done on the cheap, just use an old tank. Let all the grow out tanks gravity feed down into one end of the sump. Use a bare tank, fill it with bio media and throw a submersible return pump in the other end. Better oxygenation and tried and true restart after power outage. Then you also wouldn't have all the filtered water going into one tank, you could use one communal heater in the sump etc. The return line and drains could be made out of branched pvc lines. Even if you used a canister I would branch the return line to each tank. Having said all that, have considered sponge filters? Most people who do racks use sponges and air. Very economical and very easy.

 

[Rob909]

Honestly I think it would be much simpler to use a simple sump setup. It can be done on the cheap, just use an old tank. Let all the grow out tanks gravity feed down into one end of the sump. Use a bare tank, fill it with bio media and throw a submersible return pump in the other end. Better oxygenation and tried and true restart after power outage. Then you also wouldn't have all the filtered water going into one tank, you could use one communal heater in the sump etc. The return line and drains could be made out of branched pvc lines. Even if you used a canister I would branch the return line to each tank. Having said all that, have considered sponge filters? Most people who do racks use sponges and air. Very economical and very easy.

A sump is definitely in the plan for this setup, but not just yet. I did consider sponge filters, but that now requires multiple heaters, multiple sponges. Might just get me by until my sump becomes available. I just have to pick up a larger air pump to feed the system.
I also was kicking around the idea of turning the final two tanks into a temporary sump. I’d add mechanical to the second to last tank, and biological to the last tank.

 

[Backfromthedead]

A sump is definitely in the plan for this setup, but not just yet. I did consider sponge filters, but that now requires multiple heaters, multiple sponges. Might just get me by until my sump becomes available. I just have to pick up a larger air pump to feed the system.
I also was kicking around the idea of turning the final two tanks into a temporary sump. I’d add mechanical to the second to last tank, and biological to the last tank.

While i do appreciate the ingenuity involved in your build, i have to say if it was me I'd probably go air powered sponges with this setup.

What sizes are the tanks btw? 20 longs? Where are you getting them cause most of those little tanks used tempered glass.

 

[Rob909]

While i do appreciate the ingenuity involved in your build, i have to say if it was me I'd probably go air powered sponges with this setup.

What sizes are the tanks btw? 20 longs? Where are you getting them cause most of those little tanks used tempered glass.

I’m actually starting to find that out, I’m torn between 10s or 20 Longs. Petco has their $1/gallon sale in my area so I was going to get them there.

I’m leaning more and more on air driven filtration so I don’t have to drill all those tanks and risk breaking so many of them. I’ll just have to find some quality budget heaters for all the tanks.