Loaches Online Forum

im just wondering if i use the Martin Thoene River-Tank manifold but have double the amount of sponges on the end will i A: increase the bacterial effect the sponges have , or B increase the flow. i will be using 2 900 lt/h powerheads and 15mm piping.
thanks


matt

I would think that it would probably do both. It would also take up extra room in the tank.

Cheers jim for the reply. Size isn't to much of an issue as I've got 6x2x2 to play with.

Matt

hehe nice. Perhaps add a wavemaker in between the powerheads for added circulatrion

i was thinking about that ClownLoachSharky esp as fleabay has them for 7 euro at the mo!i found a third 900lr/h powerhead i forgot i had so i could use that but the wavemaker might be better for sheer volume of water in the tank.
im still unsure if i should use the 2inch hole drilled into the side of the tank and sump the tank or just run a spare external i have


matt

Add the extra sponges. The nitrifying bacteria appreciates a good water flow, but too few sponges means the water may be moving too fast through those sponges. Also, fewer sponges means they will plug up faster between cleaning.
Something like a wall of sponge might be a good way to go, since you have the room.

cheers diana, im using 4 6inch by 2 1/2 inch sponges on the end of the manifold but can double it by raising 2 sets of sponges between the original pair (4)

matt

A sump refugium would be nice. Considering that loaches uproot many plants.

ClownLoachSharky wrote:A sump refugium would be nice. Considering that loaches uproot many plants.

Didn't think of that clownloachsharky but a do recall reading about them somewhere lately. I suppose I should find out what size sump would be ideal for a 6x2x2ft tank.

I got the tank into place last night after having to lower the cabinet i made for it, so i took the opertunity to tint ( car window film) the back and 'seen' side. The window side is painted chalk board black.

Matt

Regarding that heres some helpful links

Diy Overflow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65yVr7DiDls

Large Aquarium with sump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7kayU6-NGY

Easy Sump: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcPe_f-GETA

Sump size calculator: http://www.diyfishkeepers.com/SumpSizeCalculator.htm

Refugium Info: http://diyfishkeepers.com/articles/aqua ... refugeums/

Hope these links can help you.

thanks for the links they helped a lot........ except for.......... my tank is drilled (2 1/4 dia) abour 6 inchs from the top, and i only have 9 inchs between the tank and the wall to get all the sump pipework in.
As this is the case it seems im going to have very little room for thesump pipework, but if im correct it could go like this:- inside tank.... up turned 90degree bend joined to bulkhead fitting joined to a sideways T fitting, and a ball valve (tap) then into the sump with the outlet being under the level of water in the sump. i suppose its an external durso standpipe.
would i be correct?


matt

something like that. If you post on the comments on his vids or go on his forum he will give you a good answer.

i think im gonna have to do that

tank update with out power heads attached


ill be putting in the external tomorrow and attaching the powerheads asap

matt

whats that substate?

ClownLoachSharky wrote:whats that substate?

its from my local river .its about 1mm to 3mm sand and stone which i tested to make sure its inert , washed it and baked it for a hour in shalow trays to kill off anything that might have been living there. im going for a natural look


matt