I need help with my design

[rbdesigns]

I really don't want to deal with drilling tanks because I've never done it, but I'm about to give in and break a couple in the process to do so. I got it working, but the the problem is when the power shuts off and comes back on, the siphon doesn't start back up. I got lazy and didn't make a pvc overflow, now the tanks will end up overflowing. I'm redoing the entire thing, I have to add check valves to regulate the siphon, some drain out faster than others. Not sure how a pvc overflow would work in this situation though.

 

[Hurgoth]

Is that like a mega closed loop or something?

 

[rbdesigns]

It looks like one, but the ones with the check valves are being feed by an aquaclear 110 and it drains through gravity. Problem is the siphon doesn't start without me having to suck the water out.

 

[rbdesigns]

 

[laverda]

You need a way to get the air out of your over flows. Most people use aqua lifter pumps for this. I don't know why you couldn't also. you would probably need 2 of them but one might do the trick. depends on how fast you need the siphon to restart after power comes back on.

 

[rbdesigns]

I have never even heard of those pumps, I'll do a search. Thanks for the tip.

 

[gemini aquarius(t)]

what is that system breeding? if so what

 

[dymaxiun]

If you don't mind me asking...... What are you designing?

 

[Charles99]

ya... fill us in.
don't tease us w/ just pictures.

 

[rbdesigns]

I'm designing a breeding system for clownfish. I have 5 tanks running with HOB filters, but I want to tie all the tanks together. I'm testing it out with the five I'm plumbing together, then I'm going to add the other five.

 

[rbdesigns]

I only have one pair that is showing spawning behavior, and I just added a tile close to the spot they are cleaning, but more than likely they are going to lay the eggs on the glass with the luck i have.

 

[rbdesigns]

 

[laverda]

rbdesigns I have a pair that spawns every other Sunday night. would you be interested in their eggs if I can get them to spawn on something removable?

 

[rbdesigns]

I would be interested in the eggs. I've never done it before, but I could learn in the process. The pair I bought a couple of weeks ago was spawning for the owner every two weeks I believe. I got them to practice, while I wait for my other pairs to mature.

 

[Charles99]

sweet!

 

[laverda]

I will see if I can get them to spawn on a flower pot bottom like Nicole uses.

 

[Bebo77]

rod from rods-reef uses a ceramic tile that he places in the spot that the clowns breek.. the swaps out a new tile every time they lay eggs..

 

[billyzbear]

Installing a check valve can be bad. Check this thread out. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=503664&highlight=overflow
I never built one but it's cheap. You could also get a "u" tube overflow. If you didn't want to move a lot of water you could tie all the drains into one box. You mite have to add ball valves to get them to drain evenly.

 

[Morgman]

Drill those tanks or you will kick yourself one day!! Wait until you have breeding pairs in there and the power goes out. Then you will have dead clowns. Buy a glass bit and break a few tanks. Its worth your time and effort.

 

[NicoleC]

I will see if I can get them to spawn on a flower pot bottom like Nicole uses.

Mine took right to it. One look and the male went, "Hey, honey, LOOK!" They love it and are very protective of it, even when their are no eggs. I don't think you will have a problem getting them to spawn on it. An unglazed tile will probably be just as attractive to them.

They don't have any eggs right now and the scooter is always VERY interested in their pot when there are no eggs, but she doesn't bother their nests -- I think the copepods come out to eat the residue after the eggs hatch. This afternoon it was very cute to see my male trying to move her off the pot without being aggressive to her. (They have no such inhibitions about chasing the other fish, but the clowns like her for some reason.) Papa clown was pushing his nose UNDER her and trying to lever her off the pot.

The scooter, as usual, ignored everything and did whatever she wanted to do anyway. Ah, the Zen of Scooter.

Drill the tanks. I'd also invest in a decent sized air pump on a backup battery, and you can easily run a DIY air manifold along the PVC, too. I use 1/2" irrigation hose and 1/4" irrigation connectors, attached to air valves and thence to rigid tubing. Easy and cheap.

For that many tanks, a Luft air pump will do nicely as emergency backup.