Multiple tanks setup with 1 external canister

[mincedmeat]

Well, I know this topic has been hotly debated on multiple occasions in the past - the feasibility of such a setup and the risks involved. In any case, I am quite certain that I will be proceeding on with such a setup in spite of the supposed risks. The reason is because of other practicality issues, and for the very fact that the setup is really meant for holding tanks and planted purposes.

I've identified a setup that I am comfortable with and actually went on to cut out the acrylic pipes. Only question I have at the back of mind - which would impact the eventual outcome is if both the outlet and inlet pipes must be of equal length to ensure that the pressure (in/out) remains at a steady rate, and that one tank will not overflow. I have devised the layout such that there is one central pipe for the inlet and another for the outlet, which is later then split to the individual tanks at their height. Both tanks are of the same dimensions.

The layout outline is as such:

Intake
Tank 1 & 2 inlet -> t-joint (shared connector) -> central pipe -> filter intake

Outflow
Filter outlet -> shared connector -> central pipe -> t-joint (shared connector) -> Individual outlet



The layout is actually an improvisation on a bro's set-up for a shrimp tank (see links for pictures of his setup)
https://shrimpsredefined.files.wordp...2/img_3480.jpg

The difference with mine is that my outlet and inlet will be side by side.


Thanks bros in advance for your advice!

[Ivan Choo]

If you look at the picture carefully, the tank is separated by a partition that is lower than the external walls of the tank. That essentially will prevent overflow from either tank.

[mincedmeat]

Right, even then I still think it is a possibility.

Theoretically....on the basis that both of my inlets are of the same height, I just have to ensure that the water displacement (height between the water level to the bottom of the inlet) is equal to or less than the empty volume in the other tank (height between the water level to the top of the tank). In the event that one of the tank takes in more water (likelihood of it happening is the tank nearest to the filter since water pressure would be highest there), the water level in both tanks should reach equilibrium over time anyway since it will reach a point when there is no water flowing out of the tank but into the tank.


What would happen, and might possibly happen:
-> Non-optimal filtration: the setup will not achieve the best water flow in either of the tanks since the inlet would be pretty high up. A way to mitigate this is to use a spray bar as part of the outlet and place it in the middle of the tank so that you get a better water flow for a greater length of the tank
-> Higher water level in one tank: some are quite sticky on this since it doesn't look good when viewing the tanks (I am one of them). But I think there's no way around it, if it happens
-> Any others???

[fireblade]

main thing is disease outbreak...
you will need a powerful filter,
thing to consider will be split the outlet into 2 rainbar and install into each tank just like the inlet.. in this way, you can control the outlet position better.

BTW, what do you intend to keep ?and how big will your tank be.

[mincedmeat]

Yeah, the disease/algae outbreak thing is in consideration but here's why I decided to proceed ahead anyway.

Most times, disease spread not just because the infected fish is not isolated but it is also the improper handling of the tools involved. More often than not when dealing with disease, it continues on or spreads because the tools used are not specific for disease handling or cleaned hence the risk of infection is still present. I'm not intending to have any set of tools or setup for fish with disease anyway. The setup is going to be the same so any case of algae outbreak will also be dealt with collectively rather than going through the onerous task of maintaining two separate sets. I find it probably too "kiasu" but I can understand it if the tank is meant as a showpiece, but if its a showpiece then you probably won't opt for such a setup anyway since the setup will disrupt the look and feel of the scape.

I will be using the GEX MR-600. This is a low-profile acrylic tank.

[Ivan Choo]

Filteration optimisation and aesthetics should be your least concern.


Despite best effort to keep the flow balanced in both tanks, there are just too many variables that is beyond your control. A dead fish may get stuck at the inlet, gunk build-up in the tubes may not be even, air bubble trap in the tube etc, all these will upset your equilibrium and flooding will be inevitable.


Assuming you keep on-top of things, cleaning and checking often for potential point of failure; it's hard to imagine you having a peace of mind when you go for holidays, even if it's just for a few days.


Assuming you still wish to take up this challenge, I'd suggest get a bigger tank and install a partition that is lower (like in the picture) so as to create the overflow. I think this is the smartest and safest way going forward.


Sorry don't mean to pour cold water, just my honest opinion.

[Urban Aquaria]

Right, even then I still think it is a possibility.

Theoretically....on the basis that both of my inlets are of the same height, I just have to ensure that the water displacement (height between the water level to the bottom of the inlet) is equal to or less than the empty volume in the other tank (height between the water level to the top of the tank). In the event that one of the tank takes in more water (likelihood of it happening is the tank nearest to the filter since water pressure would be highest there), the water level in both tanks should reach equilibrium over time anyway since it will reach a point when there is no water flowing out of the tank but into the tank.


What would happen, and might possibly happen:
-> Non-optimal filtration: the setup will not achieve the best water flow in either of the tanks since the inlet would be pretty high up. A way to mitigate this is to use a spray bar as part of the outlet and place it in the middle of the tank so that you get a better water flow for a greater length of the tank
-> Higher water level in one tank: some are quite sticky on this since it doesn't look good when viewing the tanks (I am one of them). But I think there's no way around it, if it happens
-> Any others???

Since there are no gaps between the partitions to balance out the water levels, just install a simple water bridge between the 2 partitions and it will automatically ensure that the water levels are kept balanced. In this way, you can extend the inlet lower to help provide better waste pickup without worrying about water levels. Its better than having the tanks constantly developing different water levels and you have to manually keep balancing them by scooping and refilling water between both sides.

Quick example: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...4-Water-Bridge

[BFG]

I cannot fathom the difficulty you might face later . By the way , how is water from the 2 tank be going into the 1 canister filter ?

If you stack the tank and use at least an overflow compartment to connect both tank together , yes , you can use a single canister filter . The 2nd tank will be the key water level indicator .

But to place both tank side by side , how are you to control the water level using a single inlet hose ? You might still need some sort of a water bridge as what UA mention . This water bridge thingy need to maintain siphon at all time otherwise the tank might not have equal water level . Easiest way is to use a spare Eheim J pipe with a length of hose . Both pipe and hose must be equal in length and under the water level. Larger diameter is preferred though .

Hope this helps !