Red1313

I'm picking up a new tank was wondering if you guys could give me some feedback on an idea I have for it.
The dimensions are 36"(long)x9"(high)x9"(deep).
The tank was formerly used as a nano salt water and is already pre drilled:
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...n/100_9397.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...n/100_9398.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...n/100_9399.jpg

I'm planning to use if for my RTS however I've been trying to think of the best way to deal with both the holes and filtration. I could cap the holes and just put a regular hang on back type filter on the tank. However since sharks are nortorious jumpers I'll need to make a hood for it and with only a 9" deep tank I'd be more comfortable to have as few holes in the hood as possible. So here is my grand scheme. Could I use the pre existing holes to filter?
Here's what I was thinking....
Have tank on raised stand and attach a piece of curved pipe from the one hole to the filter box. Run the water through it and then put it through another pipe and out the second hole.
To prevent to many problems with the intake and output right next to each other I could run a pice of tubing to the other end of the tank and create a bit of current as well. This whole vague concept powered by a powerhead of some sort.
I'm not really sure the best way to do it though. Any idea's to help refine this? I hope I explained it well enough, there's a rough diagram attached. Also the person I'm buying the tank from has a PowerSweep 226 Powerhead
availible as well. I've never even seen one used before so would it work?
EDIT: maybe never mind about the powersweep I just googled it and it may not be exactly what I was looking for...

Attached Images

tank1.jpg (19.1 KB, 21 views)

soldieroffortune1974

A sump works for freshwater as well as salt water.What you have drawn,basically resembles a miniature sump,and return.As long as the water in = water out, I don't see any problems with it.A powerhead rated at 175gph should work as long as it's a short return line.You caould place the powerhead in the bottom,of the filter,and have it come back up,just like in the drawing you made.

I get a little complex when building things,sometimes;so bear with me.

For the hood,I would use acrylic,and build it to fit,with a seam running down the middle to use a "flap" for opening for feeding. I don't use HOB filters,and the filter design you have drawn there wouldn't be any need for any holes,in the hood .

Red1313

For the hood since the is such an odd shape I was thinking of looking for a window frame to set on top of the tank and have a piece of glass cut to fit. Since the tank is so low the view from above is going to be a bit critical. However I hadn't considered acrylic.

Would the powerhead I mentioned in the post work? It's rated at 190 GPH

soldieroffortune1974

190gph should work fine.

Do you plan on having lights on/in the hood? Or just a bare top,using normal room lighting for viewing?

Either way the hood goes,you would need some type of support,so it doesn't slide around. I am not sure how you planned to use the window frame. ( I am assuming,laying flat on top) I would use acrylic or glass (whichever you are more comfortable with) and build a wooden frame,with edges that overlap the top of the aquarium (1/8 in) and go down the sides (1/8 in) to form a "lip" so everything doesn't slide around. I would have supports on the hood every 12 to 18 inches for the glass/acrylic to lie on top of.

Tavel

on closed systems the 'water in' always = 'water out'...because it's a circuit ;-). If you pump some out, you push more in. If you don't pump any out, nothing comes in.

the overflow type inlet (used in most sumps) effectively creates a closed circuit without actually pressurizing the bottom chamber. Very handy.

The biggest problem is hydrostatic pressure; the pressure at the foot of a water column is entirely dependent upon the height of the water column, not the volume of water above it. luckily that won't be much of a problem at 9" deep. But it WILL become a problem if you decide to put the filter on the floor or something, so plan carefully.

I would personally use an overflow type inlet to skim the surface and help aeration. That also effectively separates the inlet and outlets so you can maximize filter efficiency. Otherwise your design is perfectly feasible.

soldieroffortune1974

on closed systems the 'water in' always = 'water out'...because it's a circuit ;-). If you pump some out, you push more in. If you don't pump any out, nothing comes in.


Couldn't have said it better myself........oh wait,I didn't