System Design for Multi Tank (commercial)

[BJJ]

Can anyone point me to a where I could find infomation on a large commercial multi tank system design similar to what you see either for a public aquarium or pet store. Basically a simple schematic to give me a rough overview of what equipment is required and how they are connected.

Thanks...

 

[BeanAnimal]

It's rather simple really.

You will need a LARGE sump and several large return pumps.

Each pump will feed several tanks via a manifold. The tanks will all overflow into small pipes that branch into a larger drain to the sump. Most good setups have LARGE UV systems setup before or after the sump.

The sump need to have enough spare space to accomodate a power outage and the excess water from the plumbing and all of the tanks. The sump also needs to have a large enough volume to account for a lot of evap, and the addition of new tanks without a lof of hassle. Remember each baggie of fish somebody buys will rob a quart or so of water from the system as well.

The large rubbermaid farm bins would work well.

Really no different than your home setup, but you need more pumps and larger pipes. You may also want to run an air manifold to all of the tanks, this will be pressureised by a large blower (look at aquaticeco for ideas).

Each display should have shutoff valves for the water input and output, as well as air.

You will also want a large skimmer (or more than one) and a very large water change holding tank.

 

[ALTI]

it would help if we knew what u were planning on doing with these tanks .

 

[BJJ]

Thanks for your response,

I dont have all the information yet. I have informed our project manger that the system will depend greatly on species, geographic location and system purpose. I was just told to come up with a simple process schematic. All that I have been told is the client (*x* University) is currenly looking at adding a Vivarium ABS/L3 to there existing laboratories and that this vivarium will house multiple freshwater tanks - no information as to species, environmental requirements ect... I do have a concern about running multiple tanks on one system as the potention of outbreaks across the whole system is increased and typically in lab enviroments its most likely you would want to run your tanks on separate systems.

Oh well.... I will have to tell him that I need more information.

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[BeanAnimal]

BJ the use of multiple UV sterilizers may help isolate outbreaks. However I would hope that the University had some protocol as to the parameters for the tanks if they are involved in research.

If the tanks have to be isolated, then the only common plumbing may be top off water valves, drain to sewer valves and an air plenum with check valves or something.

Bean

 

[CaptiveReef]

Multi tank system design

Multi tank system design

Here is a basic design that will allow you to do a commercial setup .

CaptiveReef

 

[CaptiveReef]

Description of design

Description of design

All the PVC that handles the water going to the filter, should be 4 inch pipe, the water supply PVC should be 1 inch, and you should use adjustable water valves to be able to even out the water being delivered to each tank.
The large sump will be where you can install your protein skimmer U.V. and chemical media, I suggest you use a pump large enough to supply water to your skimmer, and U.V., just isolate each piece of equipment with a valve to deliver the proper water flow.
Hope the drawing helps.

CaptiveReef

 

[ggenz]

2 things, one- he said it was housing freshwater so a skimmer wouldnt be needed correct?

two- what if the tanks needto be seperated for testing or something?

the sump wouldnt work

 

[Rungeg]

I agree with ggenz a skimmer actually will not work in freshwater

 

[CaptiveReef]

Multi tank system

Multi tank system

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6819443#post6819443 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ggenz
2 things, one- he said it was housing freshwater so a skimmer wouldnt be needed correct?

two- what if the tanks needto be seperated for testing or something?

the sump wouldnt work

Okay so a skimmer wouldn't be needed in this system, as far as isolating a tank, simply shut off the feed valve to that tank, and add a sponge filter. When your done with that tank, turn on the feed valve.

CaptiveReef

 

[CaptiveReef]

A sump can still be used.


CaptiveReef

 

[Dewey115]

I would think that in this situation some type of sump would almost need to be available. If it is for a University then I would assume that keeping the tanks at the same parameters would be ideal for at least a portion of the tanks. I agree with CaptiveReef's drawing, its how the tanks at the lfs where I work are set up. I guess depending on how these will be used the only possible changes I could foresee is dividing it up into seperate sumps. Say add two more sumps and have 3 seperate ones. Add a few valves so you can open them up and allow all 3 to run together (thus effectively one big system) or close them to divide off sections. You would need to be able to divide the returns and outputs as well. Would be a little extra work but I just have to think any sort of research use would require alot of flexability, and the relatively little extra work and expense would be worth it in this case.


Rick