How to Plumb a half-filled tank (NOT drilled)??

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C

cunniculus

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 25, 2005
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I've always wanted a half-filled tank for archers and other brackish fish. I have a 120g (wide) that would be good to start.

The problem is how do I get the water out of the tank to filter it? The tank is not drilled and I'm not interested in drilling it.

I was thinking about an inline system like the Pentair Aquatics system but I'd prefer to build my own sump.

Any thoughts?

customflo_setup.gif
 
i have a 20 gal long that i have half full for african butterflys.
i just run hot filters on it so i really can't help with the sump.
but i can tell you the section of the tank that is not full can get nasty, and fogg up on you.
 
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733&highlight=DIY+overflow

use an overflow like this one and you can adjust the water level to any height you want (by cutting the side that hangs in the tank shorter).

The side that has the airline check valve is what hangs outside of the tank, the other half goes in and the 90 degree part is what will controll your water level. I would make it overall the same height as the tank, just to make sure that you get good flow and it will restart if you have a power outage.
 
rallysman said:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733&highlight=DIY+overflow

use an overflow like this one and you can adjust the water level to any height you want (by cutting the side that hangs in the tank shorter).

The side that has the airline check valve is what hangs outside of the tank, the other half goes in and the 90 degree part is what will controll your water level. I would make it overall the same height as the tank, just to make sure that you get good flow and it will restart if you have a power outage.
Click to expand...
you said it
 
canister with spray bar
 
cunniculus said:
The problem is how do I get the water out of the tank to filter it? The tank is not drilled and I'm not interested in drilling it.
Click to expand...

An overflow as previously stated would be my first choice, but you can also use a small submersible pump (possibly burried or hidden) to pump the water out. It will be a little cleaner looking in comparison to the overflow and does not require PVC glue skills.
 
hey!

I have a 5ft tank setup its just started to cycle thru, it was set up with the PCV overflow idea, I have used the plants to hide the pipes the overflow goes into a sump. it's been running for a week or so now with no problems, I am also planning on keeping archers, I am hoping to get some glass (ghost) shrimp soon just to speed up the cycle process.

Cheers!

good luck!:thumbsup:
 
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