2 tanks 1 canister filter?

Cylon

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Sep 12, 2005
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Benton, IL
I built a 55 gal stand with a lower shelf.
I have a 55 on top and I was going to put a 40 long on the lower shelf. The 40 is 48Lx12W but only 16H.

I wanted to buy one canister filter for both if posible.
Do they make something like this.
I do a lot of water changes anyway the problem is I am getting to many tanks. I would like an easyer filter solution.
 
I don't think this is a good way to go. Most large tanks usually use 2 canister filters. I doubt you'd find one with enough flow to handle two medium sized tanks. Also, because the water is swapping between the tanks you could have one sick fish knock out two of your tanks. Scary!
 
it would be very simple to do. and there are lots of filters capable of well over that volume. that said its probably not a good idea like teriba says. what if you want two water peramiters?etc....
 
yeah, bad idea based on the communicable illness reason alone. shared filters are why most LFS's with ich have ich in ALL their tanks.

i would go with 2 smaller canisters vice one huge one, save yourself money and heartache in the end.
 
Yes, great points on the sickness being spread.

J double R your right I see that in a lot of LFSs

The reason I was thinking I might be able to get away with this is.
I am working on breeding EBJDs and the lower tank would be one of my grow out tanks. I shouldn't have much of a prombem with new fish introducing an illness.

With that being the case would you still shy away for doing this. If not can your recomend a way for me to pull it off.
 
So know one has any ideas on how to do this, or any feedback on if its still a bad idea even if the fish are all from the same tank?
 
You could possibly do it by using an diy overflow design found below and have the canister outlet on the top tank and the inlet on the bottom tank. I haven't tried it so I have no idea if this setup will work or not. Personally, I would just use the canister on the main tank and maybe an HOB filter or sponge filter on the fry tank.

DIY overflow
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15733
 
K you guys thanks for your imput.
I am going to follow your advise. I have a HOB now on the top tank. I was just looking for a better way before I purchesed a new canister filter.

I think I am just going to buy another Fluval 404 and put my HOB on the bottom tank.

Thanks Again.
 
if you are going to breed the EBJD's you may want to rethink this..typcically to do this you need a pretty high water flow..you can adjust the flow rate using valves.

the problem comes when you have free swimmers..they will easily get sucked up by the intakes. even with sponges on them..either that or you may have flow problems.

most breeders use sponge filters in these cases.. you could of course remove the eggs/fry and grow them out in smaller tanks with sponge filters.

it is possible ..all you need to do is be creative with pvc plumbing.

and probably use a sump type filter
 
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