Re: [AGA Member] Planted Tank Room- Central Filtration

[ROlesen104@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/7/04 10:17:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
gnatster@comcast.net writes:
Each specimen tank has an adjustable
standpipe that drains back to the lower sump. 
I agree, this would be the ideal situation, because the circulating range 
system (A to B to C etc.) would no doubt provide an uneven distribution of the 
freshly treated, new water. The last tanks in the system might be getting as 
much waste from the preceding tanks as new water, CO2, etc.

The only drawback to the central sump with standpipes format is just that: it 
mandates the introduction of standpipes in all tanks. I've never drilled 
glass myself and would need to read up on this esoteric skill. Tanks could be 
purchased pre-drilled, of course, but then I'm cheap and an avid DIYer. Besides, 
in my case the multiple tanks will be 20 gals or less and I've never seen tanks 
this small offered in a pre-drilled option.

Other than that, your gravity fed system seems ideal. Maybe I just need to 
get over it and read up/practice drilling glass. Come to think of it, there is a 
glass shop I rent to next door and if they successfully pre-drilled the 
required number of bottoms, I could also have them cut the rest of the required 
sides, build a jig and assemble the tanks myself, perhaps saving at least some 
money in the process. Breaking one piece of glass by drilling is really no big 
deal but cracking the bottom of an already assembled tank renders it pretty 
much useless.

Once the standpipe has been successfully installed the biggest problem is 
solved. Besides, those over the side, self leveling siphon rigs do look 
complicated and fraught with possible screw ups.

I just wonder also, if by constantly exchanging a small amount of water in 
the system, perhaps exiting via the sump through an overflow, and entering into 
the overhead reservoir --a lot of the water quality issues normally corrected 
by periodic water changes could be addressed in a more frequent, automated and 
less strenuous manner.

Obviously, if one could tap into the house's sewer and water system -- things 
could get even easier provided any chloramine or chlorine in the water supply 
is somehow dealt with.

Bob Olesen


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