Thinking about a DIY... but will need help

[Redchamp]

Does anyone have any input on a undergravel filtration system for a big tank. I looked some up online but could not find any that would be of any use for a huge tank. Also I dont think they would be that hard to make. Anyone have plans already?

 

[Pharaoh]

Ungravel filtration systems are a controversial subject. But in reality, maintainence on that would be a huge pain. You should look into under gravel jet systems. The jets blow detrious up to filter intakes.

 

[Pharaoh]

I will be wuilding a plywood tank for my basement, but if you can get custome cut glass/acrylic sheets for cost, you would be better off to go with that. The tank would look better.

 

[Redchamp]

Ungravel filtration systems are a controversial subject. But in reality, maintainence on that would be a huge pain. You should look into under gravel jet systems. The jets blow detrious up to filter intakes.

Interesting... Never seen that before. What about the normal stuff that gets into the gravel suck it out like normal? If so wouldnt a UGF do the same? Less gravel maint?

 

[Redchamp]

?

 

[abortedsoul]

bump for answer

 

[Redchamp]

up

 

[Redchamp]

Interesting... Never seen that before. What about the normal stuff that gets into the gravel suck it out like normal? If so wouldnt a UGF do the same? Less gravel maint?

Anyone?

 

[basslover34]

Tank

1. What is better?
----Wood tank with glass or plastic sides?
----All glass tank?
Depends on the size. If you want to make a monster tank a plywood tank (with glass or acrylic front) is an option.
I like my 400 acrylic (8'L x 3'W x 27"H) from Tenecor.

Are you trying to compare a 400 gallon with a 2k? All glass is not only going to be extremly costly but also heaveir than hell which means it would need to be built in place... this is not going to be very cost effective, The Advantage of the wood with a window is that you can insulate the walls which will allow you to keep in the heat when it's nippy and keep in the cool when it's 120 outside.

2. How long does a wood tank last?
If built properly even up to 20 years.

I will add that if properly maintianed... even longer

3. Is there a lot of extra maint on a wood tank?

It's very important to build it properly. To my knowledge bulkheads and front glass need to be periodically resealled as the silicone tends to give up after a few years.

No more than a glass tank which needs to be completly resealed every so often (Much more than a few years, if your doing it that often your using the wrong products)

Filtration

1. Is getting a pump and making your own "canister" similar to buying say a ocean clear type?
Sump is definitely the best filter for large tanks.

At this size of a tank, Pool Filters are more efficient for the space are quieter... although you can save some money by building a Sump as was mentioned... Check out the 4000 Gallon Build of Necrocanis and you can see that his plan calls for 4-5 55 gallon barrels so you would need around half of that depending on what you where planning to stock the tank with it could be more or less

2. How often do you do water changes with a bigger tank?
----I have a 75 and 80 gal that I do a 1/4 tank every week. Do I do the same with say a 2k gal?
I do weekly 80% water changes ...even for the 400gal.

For most people that is overkill at 80% but Marius keeps rays so different rules apply Water changes are not based on tank size, it comes down to doing your water changes to keep your params in line (if you have a 400000 gallon tank with a dozen guppies... a weekly water change isn't going to be needed... If you have a 50 Gallon tank with a couple of Stingrays... your going to be doing 40-60% per DAY... The bio load is what tells us how often you'll need to change the water.

3. How do you aerate a tank that big?
Venturi enabled powerheads ...I used 3 Aquaclear 110 powerheads with air source.

Just as mentioned airation is done just as with small tanks... just on a larger scale, Again it is going to be based on what is livining in the tank and the rest of the set up, I have tanks with NO Airation as they have Plants in them there is little need for bubbles (although bubbles are pretty ) then I have others which I let the filters return do all the airating... and others that work from bubble filters and or air stones... Usually with the Large Tanks your looking at a nice powerful pump for the Filtration so letting the returns create the bubbles is always good (saves some of the electric bill )

 

[Redchamp]

Interesting... Never seen that before. What about the normal stuff that gets into the gravel suck it out like normal? If so wouldnt a UGF do the same? Less gravel maint?

???