mulitple aquariums

eleontie · Post by **eleontie** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 10:57 am

Fish store usually have a common filtration system and you can do the same with multiple smaller tanks. But you need to "join" them together with some pvc pipes either by drilling the tanks (quite complicated - drills, bulkheads, etc), or simply by creating "communicating vessels" with some inverted "U" shaped pipes going from one tank to the other from which you extracted the air out. The intake of the cannister filter will be at one end of this aquarium chain, the output at the other. ( if you look for "PVC overflow" you will find the basics principle that applies ).

Eugen

ingg · Post by **ingg** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 11:06 am

I'd venture to say common filtration and shrimp breeding isn't going to mix well.

Those babies are TINY, routinely getting sucked into filters.

Aaron's way is sorta clean and pure, on multiple fronts (keeping strains separated, keeping water separated, etc.)

halak · Post by **halak** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 12:26 pm

What about using a fine stainless steel mesh?

As Dave said, baby shrimp are tiny. I guess a 1 micron mesh would probably work.

But seriously, if you could figure out and get the correct mesh size, it would work. It would just have to be a really fine mesh.

scientist0724 · Post by **scientist0724** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 6:06 pm

They are not stiff, but there is a reptile that has really small hole that would work.

Arlene

150EH · Post by **150EH** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 7:44 pm

That's what I was going to suggest, sponge filters are cheap and let you keep tanks seperate.

I don't know why but those little tiny shrimp are brave little buggers, but they are so much fun to watch, who needs a television.

A fine mesh on a strong intake just means the babies will die at the mesh instead of in the filter.

jweis · Post by **jweis** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 11:22 pm

Well, I have been looking into options on and off all day. My goal is have different compartments for different shrimp, all lined up in a row to look nice.

I am going to buy cheap 10g tanks and take the rims off. I found instructions how to do this at: http://www.natureaquariumclubofutah.com ... d_Tank.pdf

Then I will set up the 10gs side by side (short side facing the front). Depending on which spot I choose to do this I may do either three or four tanks side by side. I will take the suggestions I have received to use sponge filters driven by an air pump. I just plan on making them low tech tanks, so I will not pump in CO2. I am looking for attractive, but not expensive, lighting options. Again, no CO2, so the lights can't drive the plants to demand the CO2. Any suggestions?

This strategy will me to move the tanks around as the mood suits me, and it will also allow me room to grow incrementally in the future. I have a feeling I will want some 10g's in my dining room too to use as terrariums and perhaps a couple for extra plants.

I can envision a rack with three levels of 5 rimless tanks side by side. SHUSH dont tell me husband, he just thinks I am getting 3. Poor guy will return from a business trip and the dining room will no longer be the kids' art room, it will be Julie's fish room.

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:35 am

You might find the rims under the plastic a bit sharpish as I doubt they take the time to knock off the edges. You can use a carbide stone or 300grit carbide paper on a sanding block to soften them a bit. Do it wet to avoid glass dust and wipe carefully with a cloth. The dust can scratch the remaining glass and obviously not good to breathe!

What are you going to use for a rack? Water is 8lb/gal...do some math before picking your rack.

Sounds like fun!

Jim

DelawareJim · Post by **DelawareJim** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:56 am

Julie;

If these are going to be all shrimp tanks, you might want to consider 5 gallon tanks. Shrimp don't need a lot of tank space and they'll be half the weight.

Cheers.
Jim

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 9:05 am

One of these should do the trick: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?par ... &cId=PDIO1

I don't recommend using the type that I had mine on. Let's just say it was a balancing act.

DonkeyFish · Post by **DonkeyFish** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 1:59 pm

I'm a little late, but I'd like to chime in and say separate tanks and sponge filters would definitely be my choice. Sponge filters are easy, the shrimp love picking off food from the sponges and you won't have to worry about them getting sucked into the filter. Plus one good air pump is going to be easier and cheaper than a canister to run them all (or separate HOB filters, if you go that route). And 5 gallon tanks over 10 gallons too, shrimp don't need that much room plus it will be that much easier to catch them out of a smaller tank

And I've de-rimmed a 5 gallon tank. It took a little time, they really adhere those things well. I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND FINISHING THE EDGES WHEN YOU'RE DONE. they are VERY sharp. Also, the glass they use for 5 gallon tanks is scary thin, unless you have a really good reason for removing the rims I don't know that I would do it again. I ran the tank that way for awhile and had no issues, but the glass DOES bow a little. Oh, and all the equipment like filters, lights, etc. are made to fit the edge of a tank *with* the rim. Just something to think about, since I certainly didn't!

Regardless... Welcome to the world of obsession! Don't worry, we won't tell your hubby.

mulitple aquariums

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