Two tanks on one filter?

[bozco]

I have two 5 gal tanks, one doesn't have a filter yet and the other has a UGF I would like to get rid of. Is there a system that will allow both tanks to be on the same filter? One that isn't driven by an airpump (too noisy). These tanks house fry when I have them.

[Kagh't]

apart from a small external filter, theres nothing i can think of i'm afraid.

[OldVamp]

Put the tanks beside each other and connect them via "water Bridge" then put the intake form the filther in one tank and the output in the other. The "water bridge" will cause the water level in each tank to level out and be the same, so when the return water runs in the first tank it will cross the bridge to level the other tank. This will cause them to act as one bigger tank. If you dont want the fry to move from tank to tank you could put a screen over the ends of the bridge.

[bozco]

Sounds good, but I'm not really clear on how that would work.

Say I use an AC hob filter. If the intake is in one tank, and the bridge puts water in both tanks. Wouldn't only the tank with the intake tube be filtered? I don't think the picture I have in my head fits what you are trying to tell me. Could you direct me to a website, or explain it in words that a kindergardener could understand? :rolleyes: Sometimes I need some explaining.

Thanks

[OrionGirl]

The setup above works by having something other than a HOB filter. A wet-dry or a canister will work, because you can plumb the water out of one tank and back into the other. A u-tube (water bridge) will keep the water moving between the tanks by a siphon--as the water level drops in tank A, water siphons over from tank B through the u-tube to keep the water levels equal. Since the water returning/leaving is always changing, the water will always move through the u-tube. However--the flow rate will need to be controlled, since the water moving through the u-tube has a maxium gph. If the return is too fast, that tank will flood. Running 2 u-tubes may help out.

Of course, I think it would be easier, cheaper, and safer to just get another filter for the other tank. When you plumb tanks together, you have to be very, very careful with introductions, since a disease in one will spread to the other. With 5 gallon tanks it's not as big a concern, but in larger systems, you also need to be careful not to overload the filter's biological media capacity with the double load.

[OldVamp]

here's a link to a Page (http://www.bio-elite.com/waterbridge.htm) that shows a viewing water bridge, but it doesn't have to be this fancy just to bridge the tanks for watter.

[bozco]

Right. I think I'll go with too seperate filters for now. The u-tube is an awsome idea. But for my purposes (and my pocket book) I might as well just run the tanks seperate. Thanks guys

[jeffro426]

You should be able to pick up two small filters for VERY cheap...especially for a 5 gallon!