Multi tank sponge filtration

[MDcrinos]

Guys, I have been out of the hobby for a while, (space, moving, money, and the other general woes) and am now looking to set up a small fish room (still on the economy model) in my basement. I'm thinking about a 4-8ft 3 tiered rack of 10 gallon and 20 gallon longs with four foot shop lights and individual heaters.

Since I will likely try to breed some (I have bred live bearers and cichlids) some tanks will have sponge filters. Since I will be using some sponge already I'm now considering buying a large air pump, hard plumbing air in with pvc, and using air driven sponge filters for all the tanks.

I know it can be done and have heard of some breeders using a similar setup. Is anyone here using (or have experience with)a similar setup? I'm trying to gather all the info I can to save as much grief as possible on the learning curve!

 

[MDcrinos]

Bump :hang:

 

[TwoTankAmin]

That sort of system is not uncommon. Look for a piston pump to provide the needed air capacity.

 

[Star_Rider]

I know of several breeders who use a similar system..they use nozzels from the pvc to flexible air line tubing to the sponges.

I am not sure how the valve set up is.

 

[Rbishop]

The few I have seen have the pumps up high, at least as high as the highest row of tanks to prevent any siphon action on loss of power. It also had good inlet suction filters to keep the air clean. If going with a piston style pump, you may have to worry about outlet filtration to ensure no lubricants are carried out to the air supply for the sponges. Some air compressors can be used for breathing apparatus, others can not.

 

[MDcrinos]

I still kinda torn about devices. I don't want to drop 300.00 or so on a linear pump to run sponges in about 10-12 tanks, 20 stones. I've looked at Dynamaster 2 piston pump it has all the power needed (runs at 20 psi) for about 60 bucks and rumoured to be easy to rebuild and last forever, but by all counts it is loud and has to be oiled with 30 weight regularly.

However Eco Plus has a 3.9 psi 65 liter/min for about 70.00 with shipping and handling that is quieter and maintainence free.

Anybody good with air flow caculation? Would the 3.9 push a 24 inch manifold with 15-20 outlets or do I just need to get used to the noise level of the Dynamaster? Would it be better to use a manifold or hard plumb the entire run in 1" to 1 1/2" pvc to lower resistance to air flow?

Sorry for so many questions. I have tanks, and multiple tanks for years but have never tried to go centralized with my filter power.