4 Chamber Clownfish Tank Breeding Project

[Lou Young]

I bought this tank so I can keep 4 pairs of clownfish in the same system instead of individual 10g tanks w/HOB filters like I am doing now. Hopefully this will provide a better environment with more water volume and the other benefits of having a sump. Maybe a little less daily maintenance and water changes as well.
I have a basic understanding of plumbing but I could use some help with ideas on how to do the returns and overflows. Below are pictures of the tank.

Front

Top Down

Back

Overflow Box

Side View

Any help and advice would be appreciated. Thanks Lou

 

[Teage29]

If you don't mind me asking. Where did you get that!! And how much!!!

 

[Lou Young]

If you don't mind me asking. Where did you get that!! And how much!!!

I bought it from a breeder in Florida. Tank was $425 but the shipping was a killer at $165. It's a lot heavier than I thought it would be but I guess that's a good thing cause the acrylic is pretty thick. Overall I am very happy with how it looks and feels. It passed the water test, up to the back bulkhead hole. Now I just need to figure out the plumbing schematics.

 

[BlazinNitro16]

Wow this is going to be a really cool build. Subscribed!

 

[Teage29]

Thx! I may look into that!

 

[akma]

Sweet. I think I might know who you bought it from. I was looking at it as well, but funds are a little low right now. lol.

On NR there was a guy named eric. Very friendly and answered all my questions. I believe he had the same tank. Is yours made by advanced acrylics?

 

[Lou Young]

Sweet. I think I might know who you bought it from. I was looking at it as well, but funds are a little low right now. lol.

On NR there was a guy named eric. Very friendly and answered all my questions. I believe he had the same tank. Is yours made by advanced acrylics?

Yes that is the name of the company that originally made the tank. It seems to be made like a "tank." I can't wait to get it plumbed and water in it. Where are the plumbing experts? Haha

 

[D-Nak]

How far down do the slits in the separators go? If they go lower than the overflow grates, I don't see the need for separate overflows.

 

[D-Nak]

Looks like there are slits on the bottom too?

Regardless, it's a sweet looking setup.

 

[Lou Young]

How far down do the slits in the separators go? If they go lower than the overflow grates, I don't see the need for separate overflows.

The slits in the separators are at the top an the bottom and they are both 2.25"
The overflow grates are only 1". I didn't design the tank, but I am guessing the slits in the top and bottom of each separator is to help circulate to water throughout the tank. If all the overflows are not necessary would it still be good to use them all to improve the gph turnover rate?

Looks like there are slits on the bottom too?

Regardless, it's a sweet looking setup.

I really like how it looks too. Thanks. I hope it's as functional as well.

 

[Jaypilot]

Since the over flows are already in place I would absolutely use them all. First you can get a little better water flow but secondly you have alto of redundancy and chances of clogging or over filling you tank would almost be impossible. I guess in theory you could block off the two middle dividers and just let water flow to the outer over flows. But like I said they are already in place so it would only be a few extra bucks to plum them all.

I have a 40g tank with 5 compartment and a single over flow. It works great and the fish are breeding but it is a little hard to get good water flow. As a result of the flow it does require a little more maintenance then I think it should.

Nice tank they I would like to have a few like that.

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Nice tank. What is the volume of each chamber ? 20-30 gallons ...

 

[Lou Young]

Since the over flows are already in place I would absolutely use them all. First you can get a little better water flow but secondly you have alto of redundancy and chances of clogging or over filling.
Nice tank I would like to have a few like that.

That's what I was thinking too. Better to have redundancy like you said, plus i was told that if i use ball valves i can control the amount and force of the water going in and out of each chamber. Next step is to get the right plumbing parts.

Nice tank. What is the volume of each chamber ? 20-30 gallons ...

Thank you. Each chamber is 12x15x14 so they are almost 11g each.

 

[Lou Young]

My plumbing pieces are being delivered tomorrow. So excited!!

 

[Lou Young]

I thought I had ordered all the pieces I need, but apparently I need a lot more. So I went to Lowes and Home Depot and hopefully I am set now, but I am not that confident. Haha
Who would have those that small plastic plumbing pieces and PVC could add up to so much? I thought the cashier made a big overcharge. Lol

 

[Lou Young]

After another trip to the hardware store I got everything I need, hopefully that is. I did some playing around with the plumbing. Nothing in glued yet. Most of my parts are threaded so I can change the configuration. Below is what I have come up with so far. Please let me know how I can improve the design.
Thanks Lou.

Back of Tank

Return Manifold

Overflow Manifold

I am going to use the flex tubing and make the connections to the hose barbs.

Best tool of the day

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Looking good. Maybe its me but I wouldn't go 4 to 1 on the drains. I would have tried to at least go from 4 > 2 drains in case it clogs or something.. Also I would (again just personal pref) have gone all hard plumbing vs the barb fittings and flex tubing.

 

[Lou Young]

Looking good. Maybe its me but I wouldn't go 4 to 1 on the drains. I would have tried to at least go from 4 > 2 drains in case it clogs or something.. Also I would (again just personal pref) have gone all hard plumbing vs the barb fittings and flex tubing.

I see what you are saying about the 4 drains. I will try and make the 4 go into 2. Hopefully I can get all the right measurements without wasting too much PVC. I figured I would use the flex hose and barb fittings since plumbing is way down the bottom of my skill set. Maybe when the time comes I will try it on my next tank or the grow out tanks. Thanks again.

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Flex tube with barb is OK if your a novice and not ready to go full hard plumbing and its a quick way of doing things with ability to make changes easy. But to me flex adds chances for a leak or added salt creep from the barb fitting area... Hard plumbing isn't that hard you just have to have a good solid plan about what you want and the best way to go about it and leave room for change down the road ..

 

[Lou Young]

I took your advice and frankly I can't believe it but I actually did it. I just measured very carefully and everything fit how it should. Thank you for the advice. I don't think I would have been brave enough if you didn't encourage me to do it. Thanks again.