Multiple tank fresh water filtration??

[Antithesis123]

Hey Guys-

I'm tossing around some fun ideas for a diy filtration setup for up to 6 20 gal tanks. I'd like to run everything on one filter with a larger sump for extra water space. I can't find any threads of multiple tank setups but I know that a lot of LFS use a single large pump and filter. Any guidance or comments for my summer project will really help. I'd first like a pump suggestion if someone doesn't mind. But Please feel free to send me some ideas so I can benefit from your experience.
Thanks!! Fish on

 

[bigbadfish711]

I think that you would have more issues with this filtration setup than it would be worth. I mean look at walmart's tanks. One fish comes in with ick and before long ever single tank has it. Also every tank would have to have fish that require about the same water temp, ph, and every thing. in my opinion this would a bigger disadvantage than any thing.

 

[aclockworkorange]

I think that you would have more issues with this filtration setup than it would be worth. I mean look at walmart's tanks. One fish comes in with ick and before long ever single tank has it. Also every tank would have to have fish that require about the same water temp, ph, and every thing. in my opinion this would a bigger disadvantage than any thing.

This is exactly the downfall to an open system. Keep it closed running on sponge filters IMO.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

As long as you quarantine all the fishes before placing them into any of the 6 tanks and make sure all the fish are perfectly healthy, you should be fine. The ick outbreak at Walmart is because they never take good care of their fish. So if you care about yours, shouldn't be a problem

I like the idea of a large sump for multiple tanks, make water changing much more easy and since it is an open system, the total volume of water is 120g + volume of sump. Larger volume = more stable water parameters. Also since all of them are basically sharing the same water (as bbf noted), you would have to treat all 6 tanks as a large tank and only put fishes with similar pH and temp preference.

 

[Antithesis123]

yes, THe idea first sounded like fun. But the more I have thought about it the more I'm leaning toward aclockworkoranges spongefilter setup with additional corner filters. Plus, one thing about a multiple tank setup is that you would have to balance all the intake outtake water lines to work perfectly with eachother and if one got clogged with something and you didn't notice.. you would have a flood. Thanks for the opinions, I'm pretty sure I know how I'm going to do this now.

 

[Pharaoh]

I never had any outbreak issues with my central system. sponge filters do make it a lot more efficient energy wise.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

you would have to balance all the intake outtake water lines to work perfectly with eachother and if one got clogged with something and you didn't notice.. you would have a flood.

I think that is the general problem about sumps and not just multi-tank sumps. If the overflow gets clogged, water will overflow into your tank. 3 ways to counter this.

1. Make sure the overflow pipe is large so that no blockage can happen. I say a 1" diameter should be sufficient, but you can go up to 2".

2. Add a float-switch to your main tank, Should the level rise beyond a certain level, it would automatically turn off your return pump in the sump

3. Make sure that the entire sump can empty into your tank without spilling. (Not practical)