multiple tank filtration method...

What I want to do:
Rig up a micro-filtration system for several 1G tanks; by running one larger filter on another container or something, using powerheads, airline tubing, and gravity. Ideally, this system won't rely on gravity for overflow checks, as I'd like to be able to hide the other container (if it's in a cupboard beneath the 3 betta spaces, nobody will know it's there but me).

I COULD rig up a nano filter for each tank, but I'd rather not do that, only because they take up more space than I'd really like, in an already too-small space. Other small filters present a similar problem (space reduction).

Any ideas? (The why isn't really the point of the thread, but I figured I'd put it in there just to answer any questions people had about the setup.)



Why I want to do this:
OK, so, I have 3 bettas each living in a 1G "tank" (not big enough, I know, this is only until I have permission from my landlord to "shuffle", upon which a divided 10G tank will be their new home). This may be as far off as 2 or 3 months (hopefully closer to 1 month, but I can't be sure of that), so until then I need to find a way to get them what they need in these tiny spaces.

I don't have the tanks heated (the ambient room temp is ~72-75F) yet, only because I'm trying to keep the bettas' metabolism down while I figure out the filtration issue. After this I will hook up a reptilian heat lamp in conjunction with under-substrate "betta heaters", the combination of which should easily raise the temperature to a nice 78-80F. I understand that the cooler temp is a bit uncomfortable for them, but it seems safer than raising their metabolisms and increasing waste production while I don't have any filters set up. I'm also fasting them 3 days a week (not consecutively), and I'll be rigging up airstones in each tank on Tuesday evening.

If you feel the need to rag on me for this, feel free to PM me about how awful I am for being so unspeakably cruel to these fish, but I'd like to keep this thread just for constructive ideas and filtration suggestions.

 

I think a sponge filter setup is your best bet. Use one pump with splitters to each bowl.

 

I'd never heard of a sponge filter before; I guess because I'm always looking for the biggest, baddest filter around lol. I looked it up, and found this great DIY thread: https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/diy-sponge-filter.75193/
I think I know what I'm doing over Tgiving weekend...

 

yeah, I don't use them - I don't use air pumps.

seems perfect for what you need though

 

Yeah, most of the air driven filters I've seen don't seem to work terribly well, but I'd imagine that it's better than nothing for these guys, and I wanted to put some airstones in there anyway, just to provide a little extra O2, so this seems like a good way to accomplish both without taking up too much swimming space. Thanks for the help!

 

I would seed the sponges in an existing tanks filter, prior to setting it up.

 

I was just going to use sponges from my goldfish filter (I have 4 sponges in there; I can't imagine taking 1 or 2 of them and replacing them with new ones would be the end of the world). I figure the bacteria living in those filters should be industrial strength, right

 

yup

 

sponge filters are what most breeders use to filter their tanks.

 

New development: sponge filters a pain in my neck. I'm doing huge daily water changes and they don't help at all to keep things glean.
They have, however, convinced me to just go out and get the stupid red sea nano filters. I'll just rig up one of those current diverter things for the outlet and stick a sponge on the intake. My ladies won't like the space loss, but at least they won't be swimming in poo.

 

hahahahaha

Yes, those filters are great. I would get an aquaclear sponge and cut it to fit. I would also get 2 and have one on each side.

 

I like the sponge "cartridge" thing that you can get for the nanos, they're like $4 for 6 of them at my LFF. And I actually did get the AC sponge fill (for anybody who was curious, the AC activated carbon bags fit inside perfectly when trying to remove medication from a tank), and stab it with scissors, and shove it over the intake, it works great but I think I'm going to go get a stocking for it this weekend (sand + filter = ) . There's only one betta left (columnaris killed 2 in a week), so she's all by herself in a 2.5G with the filter all the way at one end blocked with plants to minimize current. The current is still a bit stronger than I'd like for the weakened (also infected with columnaris) betta in the tank, but I bet if I cram a sponge over the lip of the outlet, that'll be cut down some.

Summary:

Red Sea nano filter: :;pirate :;pirate :;pirate :;pirate (out of 5 pirates)
sponge filters: 0 pirates. Only fishpoop.

 

I've got bags of the filter media (20? black/white combos) - they're yours is you want them. PM me