Is there a 2 way flow filter/gadget?

[Irn-Bru]

i have a tank with a filter and C02 system... then i have another smaller tank beside it without any form of filtration/CO2 at all...

i am wondering if there is such a gadget in the market that will transfer water from both tanks so that my smaller tank can be kept in good shape...

basically i need something that can suck water from the smaller tank to the bigger tank and vice versa...

[loupgarou]

set up an overflow system.

[bclee]

Not recommended.

The flow from one tank into the other has to be exactly equal to the return flow. Otherwise, you will have 1 tank running dry and the other overflowing.

You can split the CO2 line though.

BC

[bclee]

BTW, it will be cheaper to get a smaller filter for the small tank.

BC

[Irn-Bru]

i thought maybe a good two-way flow system will not cause any accident of any one tank overflowing...

i agree that a small filter might be a cheaper option but it definitely cannot achieve the same water quality (with saturated CO2 & maybe some liquid fert) from my main tank yeah?

[Goondoo]

best solution is to put the small tank into the big 1... [] joking....SIBEI HAPPY!!! TONIGHT GOING BACK SINGAPORE LIAO!!!!

[vinz]

Can be done simply, but I doubt its convenient.

Both tank top must be at the same level, so that the water can auto-level itself without spilling. Place tanks side by side. Cannister filter outlet in the main tank, inlet at the small tank. Fill a U shape tube with water, invert it, and place one end in one tank, the other end in the other, both underwater. Must not have air bubble inside. When start the filter, the water level in the small tank will drop slightly. Water will then travel up the U-shaped tube from the big to the small tank.
Water from filter returns to main tank. Get the idea?

Now the question is, do you want to do that?

Alternatively, get an electrical float switch and rig up a water pump and return pipe.

Seriously, get a small, not so powerful internal filter (The Eden ones are not too bad) like BC suggested and split your CO2 output. See Aquatic FAQ about splitting CO2.

[Irn-Bru]

paiseh, i am not using a canister filter for my main tank, only a hangon filter... can elaborate more on the electrical float switch idea?

[CK Yeo]

Can. But you need to regulate the water level of at least one tank (say smaller one) with an overflow system.

Big tank -----> Filter -----> Small tank ----/
^
/________Overflow________________/

Or, you can use a U-tube and connect the two tanks, assuming that they are on the same level, but kindof risky if the U-tube clogs or siphon breaks.

ck

[Irn-Bru]

your diagram seems to be using a canister filter?

[Allen_1971]

Basically its not worth the trouble, and if not properly done could result in one tank running dry... the only sure way would be to use 2 float switches in each tank which would cut on and off the powerheads when the water drops below/above a certain level. However, float switches by themselves are not cheap, so you might as well just buy a second internal filter for your smaller tank and split the CO2.

[CK Yeo]

Yes, canister. Pump also can.

If you really want to try it, put the intake of the pump/ filter near the water's edge so that in the event that anything fails, the whole tank will not run dry (only get flooding). Kindof risky, I wouldn't try if the tanks are in living room among expensive furniture, carpet, floor.

ck

[Irn-Bru]

ok thanks alot for the info guys!

[Allen_1971]

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On 1/18/2003 8:35:03 AM

If you really want to try it, put the intake of the pump/ filter near the water's edge so that in the event that anything fails, the whole tank will not run dry (only get flooding). Kindof risky, I wouldn't try if the tanks are in living room among expensive furniture, carpet, floor.
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Yes that would help prevent one tank from running dry, but if left for too long, the filter bacteria will start to die as well since the water flow has been removed.... plus your impellar might be running dry... also not good for the life of your filter.