canister filter = easier water change? and can you use one canister for 2 tanks?

authmal

authmal

Pseudonovice
Aug 4, 2011
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Phoenix, AZ
So, I've ordered a canister filter, and while deciding where I'll be placing it, I had a couple of thoughts. Would it be possible to simplify a water change by disconnecting the return tubing from the spray bar, and placing it into a bucket/sink/whatever to remove water? And then either putting the intake into the new water receptacle, and letting it pull from there, and return it to the tank?

Since canisters seem to have more flexibility, could you run the return and intake lines into T valves (or more) and have 2 actual intakes feeding into one line that goes into the canister, and 2 returns that pull from the canister? That way you could possibly put 2 (or more) smaller tanks onto a single canister for filtration? That way, you wouldn't have to worry about as many individual HOBs for maintenance or power.
 
Trying to balance the flow from a canister to two tanks with valves is a flood waiting to happen. The ONLY safe way to run two tanks on one canister is if the tanks are connected so the water level always remains equal. This could be accomplished by bulkheading the two tanks together (the best way) or by a "U" tube such as that used in external overflow boxes. I personally think the "U" tube idea is also a flood waiting to happen, but it might wait a while longer.
 
The easiest way to do water changes is to plumb hot and cold on a metal float to your tank and have a drain underneath. You also need an additional intake into the tank t-off to the drain and a quick connect connection on the end. I know its confusing. I posted a blog with pictures on this set-up here: http://www.walltanks.com/blog/plumbing-an-in-wall-tank/

This will save tons of time in the end. By the way, pex tube is easy to work with
 
I had a feeling that the flood issue would be a likely concern.
 
Trying to run two tanks with one canister filter would be tricky. Multiple tanks with one sump have and can be done--that is how many pet shop systems operate. A canister filter would I suppose be like a very small sump, but getting the plumbing just right would require a lot of skill in order not to cause a flood. Even systems with one sump/multiple tanks can and do flood from time to time if certain parts fail. I cleaned up more than my fair share of floods at the pet store, and let me tell you it was not fun.

As for the water change idea, I suppose it could work. I think it would be easier to use the filter to remove water than to add water. You could remove water with the filter and then use a power head or other water pump with some clear plastic tubing (flexible) in a container of premixed/treated/heated water to pump water back into the aquarium.

Emily
 
authmal said:
I had a feeling that the flood issue would be a likely concern.
Click to expand...
it isn't a 'if it will flood' it is a 'when it will flood' concern.

Yes, this is a broad blanket statement and I know that you can run a canister on multiple tanks but it isnt as easy as throwing a Y on there. 80 bucks for a second canister is much cheaper than a new carpet.

your water change theory could work...but if you lose your pressure in your intake hose you are going to need to reprime your tank in a bucket which will be a pain in the rear. Emptying it in that manner would be no problem.
 
Thanks for all the information. It backed up my assumptions nicely. In other words, draining shouldn't be a big deal, especially if I have enough tubing to reach a sink or something, but filling using the canister would be more tedious than just pouring the buckets in, and 2 tanks, one canister (there's a joke in there, somewhere) is possible, but the risks of flooding really outweigh any benefits.
 
Risks of flooding....eh....because of that I wouldn't. I just had 25g of water end up on my carpet and am seriously considering replacing it with tile lol.
 
I like this idea.

I was under the assumption that pet stores used one giant filter for all their tanks?
 
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