Tank size.

[Roy G. Biv]

For the tanks that hold the pairs, it was recommended that they should be 20 gallons. Would that be 20 high, or 20 long?

 

[FMarini]

pairs of what?

but yes I've seen broodstock tanks set-ups w/ 20 talls.
Of clown pairs I've also seen 10 & custom sized 15s. For neon gobies, 10s
It really all depends, and whether or not you link all the systems together, to increase your water volume

 

[Roy G. Biv]

Looking to setup 6-20 gal, 5-10 gal all linked together. 3 rows, 3-20 on top, 3-20 middle, 5-10 bottom. I was going to do 20 longs because of a height restriction but didnt want to start building without getting an answer.
Also with the 20 longs, I could put a divider in if I needed 2-10's.

I was interested in breeding
(1) Clownfish
(2) Neon gobies
(3) Cardinals
(4) Seahorses

What would be the biggest breedable fish and tank size to go with it.

 

[billsreef]

Smaller clowns like ocellaris can be done 10's, larger clowns like clarkii's in 20's. The gobies, cardinals, and seahorses also can be done in 10's. It's also possible to co-culture the neon gobies with either the clowns or cardinals.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

MLK day project. I built this today so that I will have 3 rows of tanks. Total length is 36X36X36 = 108. My initial plan is to have 3-20 Long on the top and middle and 5-10gal on the bottom. I have 180 lbs of weight on the center top to make sure it will hold the 20's. Opinions?

 

[bangaii man]

you could have just patched that hole in the wall with some sheetrock and joint compound, but I think I'll try your approach - honey, there's a hole in the wall but don't worry I'll cover it up with a dozen fish tanks. j/k

how stable is it with the weight on top if you try to shake it right to left, I think a few diagonal supports on the back would help.

 

[otto486]

Definately- never allow for ANY sway if you can help it.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

That hole in the wall is a vent hole to my sump room on the other side. I just took the cover off of the wall to work on the shelves. This is right on the other side:

The shelves are screwed to the wall so there is now sway so far.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

Does anyone have an idea of bulkhead sizes for a 10 or 20 gallon? Can I go as small as 1/2" for the drain? How many times turnover do I need in each tank?

 

[billsreef]

I wouldn't advise any smaller than a 1" drain. 1/2" is small enough to clog a little to easily for comfort. For turnover in a recirculating system I would use between 4-6 times tank volume.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

Tanks are in!!! I am a little disappointed in the quality, but thats a different story.

Tonight is the painting of the backs, tomorrow is plumbing.

 

[Atticus]

I would paint 3 sides of the tank. They don't need to see what the neighbors are up to and that can also be a distraction... Your plans sound fine except the seahorses. They can be grown out in small tanks, but a 16 inch height is advisable for their rise when spawning.

 

[MarinaP]

You will need shutoff valves, they will allow for more flexibility of the system (ability to turn off circulation in one given tank, if needed. Also, smaller fish (seahorses in particular) will get sucked into the returns. Eggcrate pieces fitted at the top of the returns will help. Plastic mesh will get clogged with algae. Cover the tanks with eggcrate to prevent fish from jumping. Seahorses like to hitch on small pieces of eggcrate placed at the bottom of the tank.

I agree, larger horses need height to spawn.

You will need enough space between the lights and the top of the tank to be able to clean/change water/feed, remove tiles, etc.

I would set the tanks on styrofoam (pink sheets).

I would not worry about painting the sides, green algae will take care of that.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

So the plan is to have at least the bottom 5 tanks on 1 pump so that the fry can sit in the rots for a while before turning on the return again. The top 2 are for the brood stock and they shouldnt need the return off that often. Also for now, this system is going to be connected to my main system because I can keep 1 giant system cleaner than 2 individual. And a question about that... My plan is to drain these tanks right to the refugium below.

The only problem I see with that is that I dont want any rogue fry entering it, just the plankton and rots that arent consumed. I dont need fish growing up in it. It will be almost impossible to catch them.

These are my first 2 lovers. They are in a temp 10 gal in the closet for now.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

Completely unexpected!!! I completed the middel row of tanks.

I had them in a 10 gallon with a 6" X 1" piece of pvc waiting for their new home. Today I moved them.

They are in the new 20g L tank with a choice of 3 caves. 1/2" 3/4" 1" caves.

As I was cleaning out the old home, I piccked up the tube and HOLY COW!! There were eggs!!

I am completely unprepared for this, and I know the eggs wont survive. Is there anything I can practice with the eggs? I have no idea how old they are.