Central Filter?

[slotzero]

I'd like to find a reference where someone has "linked" 10 or so 10 gallon tanks in a centralized filter kind of way... has anyone done or seen this done? Any advice?

[vampie]

The LFS?

[msjinkzd]

I have 6 10g's sharing an air pump using sponge filters and gang valves. As far as central filtration, i had looked into doing a central system using a sump so that I wouldn't have to have individual heaters. Decided it would be a pain to drill 10g tanks.

[duke33]

I always wanted to go behind the scenes at the lfs and check out their systems.

[Draal5]

If you search for Betta barracks you should find one.

I am assuming its for bettas due to your signature.

I have heard from a couple of breeders that they stopped doing that because they lost all of their fish because of something in the water killed them all. They deemed it not worth the risk I wish I cold remember what it was but that was quite a while ago. It did only pertain to bettas

here is some info I did find
http://www.ibcbettas.org/StadBylawsForms/NewbySystem.pdf

this is for small tanks but could be adapted to a row of 10g tanks

[msjinkzd]

a good point about cross-contamination. If one tank gets something (parasite etc) they all will. Most people will advise against central filtration for fish set-ups.

[duke33]

This IS true.

[Mgamer20o0]

Most people will advise against central filtration for fish set-ups.

i am one of them. i think it limits your options a lot. all have the same water same temp. if one gets sick they all will get sick. for me the risk isnt worth the reward.

[legendaryfrog]

I really like sponge filter setups. You could have one major air pump and 6 sponge filters stemming off of it.

no risk of cross contamination either

[slotzero]

I have 6 10g's sharing an air pump using sponge filters and gang valves. As far as central filtration, i had looked into doing a central system using a sump so that I wouldn't have to have individual heaters. Decided it would be a pain to drill 10g tanks.

Thanks for the suggestion - I think this is the way I'm going to go just for the sake of ease. I really don't want individual heaters either but drilling out all these tanks seems daunting.

Thanks again!

[Sploke]

I run a central sump for 4 of my display tanks, from 30gal to 150. I have a very strict QT
policy to circumvent the disease issue, and all the tanks need similar params anyway so it works out. For smaller tanks, however, I would recommend sponge filters, its just less hassle.

[jmhart]

You'd almost have to go with a large UV sterilizer if you linked your tanks like that.

[Mgamer20o0]

I really like sponge filter setups. You could have one major air pump and 6 sponge filters stemming off of it.

no risk of cross contamination either

very good idea. thats what i use.