Rack setup opinions

[shrimpy1547]

Hi folks, So i have bought a shrimp rack second hand, which I'm about to start cycling, but i thought I might ask you fellas first.

I've seen a few setups here, but nothing looks like the one i have.

Could the plumbing be improved?

All parts are from irrigation section at bunnings.

[shrimpy1547]

or should i do it like this instead?(sorry for the poor drawings)

[KillieOrCory]

Second one is a lot better option. In the first one the water quality would be getting progressively worse as the water flows through from one tank to another.

[JohnH]

Have a read of this guide by Dean. http://www.shrimpkeepersforum.com/forum/content.php/181-BossAquaria-How-to-plumb-A-rack-101

I used this method on mine and it is great.

[shrimpy1547]

could that be transformed to canister?

[JohnH]

Sure can. The only issue you might find is the ability of you canister to deliver water to each level independently.

[Squiggle]

Looks very cool, definitely use the second version, as Serkan mentioned, the water parameters would get progressively worse in the lower tanks. To transform that system to incorporate a canister I suggest you have a small sump for the water to drain into then use the canister as your return pump drawing water from the sump. This way you won't have to worry about the canister drawing water from the tanks evenly. Also you could put your heater in the sump instead of each tank. Just make sure you put a tap in the line for each tank so you can regulate an even flow to each tank. How big are the tanks & how big is the canister? :encouragement:

[shrimpy1547]

I think it might be easier with just a sump... rather than sump and canister at the same time...

[Squiggle]

If you haven't got room for a big sump a canister is a great option for a return pump if you already have one. :encouragement:

[shrimpy1547]

Where can I find a small sump...

[shrimpy1547]

There's 3 shelves with 90 litres in each shelve... Filter is eheim 2217

[JohnH]

It wouldn't have to be anything flash. You could use a small second hand tank or even one of those plastic tubs you get from various discount stores.

[Squiggle]

+1 even a bucket will work. That canister should be big enough :victorious:

[shrimpy1547]

Doesn't the canister need to be below the tanks to work? I always thought it uses siphon to assist...

[shrimpy1547]

Would the sump be acting as a filter as well? Or purely a container for wash? Or the canister doesn't draw air when the suction is not enough

[Squiggle]

It would be purely a container for the water to collect in & the canister would draw the water up from it. You can add some sort of filtration to the sump later if you want to. As long as there is no air in the canister system you shouldn't have any problems with low suction. :victorious:

[shrimpy1547]

I went to masters home improvement to figure out the parts I need. The guy thought I was crazy. With more than 50 bits and pieces ....

[shrimpy1547]

The plumber at masters suggested the overflow outlet would need to be on angle?? Do u think that's even necessary?

[Squiggle]

Hahaha, the guys at Tradelink know me now & have given up the strange looks but the BOC guys still give me some strange looks, lol :victorious:

[shrimpy1547]

After gluing the PVC , would I still be able to fix the bulkhead if it leaks? I can't see how it's possible without cutting the PVC pipes

[Squiggle]

That's why they are very reliable, you are right though, the only way once it's glued is to cut it but you can rejoin the pipes with a straight connector. Also you can use barrel unions in the pipes but they aren't cheap & can add up when you need a few of them. :victorious:

[shrimpy1547]

Due to the fact the tanks are vertically overflow and has hardly any space in between the tanks... I will either have to keep the current design or buy a new rack. what's the worst scenario if I keep the current design.

[Squiggle]

If you keep a gap behind between the rack & walls for access & you make sure you set it up right first time, the worst job will be cleaning it. Just remember to measure twice & cut once, also the pipes will slide in further into the corner pieces & T pieces with the glue as a lubricant & make sure you hold the joins together for a minute or two till the glue starts to hold as they will try to slide back out if you don't. :victorious:

[Timmeh]

Have a look at squiggles thread about his rack, as you will understand what he has done and also you can see how he has left space to access the rear of his setup, it isn't a must to do so, but if you ever have a leak or need to change things up you don't really want to be emptying the tanks and moving the rack, you could always have a canister per section if you wanted to also, or use sponge filters, many ways to maybe this current setup work mate. All the best, would love to see photos of your system.