Looking for a better way

[plchacker]

OK I have only recently started using aquarium forums. This seems to be the best so far. In the early 90's I started designing a tank set up. I built a wet dry filter that worked great at the time. Then we built our house. This was about 10 years ago. Long story short, the original wet dry didn't fit under the tank once it was built into the wall. So I opted for a Rena XP3. Here is where it gets tricky.

Back in the 90's undergravel were the thing. Check the jpeg for the design I used with a drilled 55 gal tank. The undergravel is 1/2" PVC with small holes drilled. There is a planter that runs most of the length of the tank. Plants thrived in this setup.

Now its time to rebuild. I want to do the best system with what I have. The UG can go, but I need some way to ensure somewhat even flow, and also Ido like the stand pipe just in case of a major oops under the tank. (prevents more than a couple gals from draining out of the tank.)

Fire away. I understand that UG is not a good thing, but what is given my drilled tank. The tank is a 70's model thick glass, drilled in one end.

Oh yeah, the tank is built into the wall between the living room and the dining room, so it is very visible on both sides.

Any ideas criticisms are welcome.

[Gemini]

Welcome!!:19:
Your tank sounds cool! I'd love a tank built in the wall!
Now I'm no expert on technical things - but with a UGF you can use a powerhead and make a reverse UGF. There is some threads around on it. You use a powerhead - I'm not sure how to explain it better but I know someone else will chime in soon! But in the mean time check out the DIY thread there may be something useful there!
Try reading through this sticky. There is info on UGFs at the bottom of post 1. [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Northernguy]

It sounds like a wonderful set up!:22:
I am not a big fan of the UGF but some members here are.
I do hope you plan on posting some pics of your tank!

[lobsternoob]

No one is gonna dog you for using a UGF. Heck, not a lot of people can handle building a custom tank, let alone a custom filter system. Only advice i would have is look into a nice canister style filter, sounds like you did that. Gemini had a great suggestion too, reverse UGF using powerheads. Worst case scenario, you can still use most of your old setup for aeration! I think i speak for more than just myself when i say I would love to see pics of your tank. Pictures would probably help some of the more advanced members give you better advice too! Best of luck to ya!

[DragonWatch]

A random idea : If you have a cannister with strong enough outflow, how about making it flow into your UGF? It'd work the same way as a reverse flow UGF, but without a powerhead.

[plchacker]

A random idea : If you have a cannister with strong enough outflow, how about making it flow into your UGF? It'd work the same way as a reverse flow UGF, but without a powerhead.

It certainly is strong enough, about 350 gpm. I'll certainly think about it.

[plchacker]

I'll try to get a photo posted this weekend. The tank is not in the best shape right now. The water quality is fine, but there are no plants, and only one fish.

[plchacker]

Ok here are some photos, well kind of photos. Please excuse the cabinate. After eight years it needs to be refinnished. I bought some plants yesterday. Mostly swords and a red rubin.

[Northernguy]

It looks great!:22:
I have always wanted to that but never had the wall!lol

[plchacker]

Thanks, it has been an experiance. There are always things you wish you had thought of after a project like this is done. But all in all, it turned out great. When we built the house, this is the only thing I did. I am an electrician, and would have loved to wire the house, but time prevented it.

I had two days (afternoons) to work on the wall. Build the plate above (support) build the frame, plumb it wire it and get the tank in place, then back out while the contractor finnished walls and painted.

I had designed and built the filter system acouple years earlier and had the tank on a regular stand. This tank is the first payment for electrical work that I ever earned.

If you ever do this remember two things.

1. It is kind of permanate. Make sure that the regular tank placement rules are followed with trumps.

2. Run extra everything. If you think you need one light fixture, wire for two. If you want one return pipe through the wall, again run two, at least one on each end. Always double up. My drain runs out to a flower garden in front of the house. I have a spicket out there with the ability to drain to the yard if the hedges don't need the water. Water changes are easy.

Good luck. It would be worth the work if you have the skills, or money to pay someone to do the work.

[Northernguy]

I been doing renovation work for way too many years! I just want to do one more house,mine!lol
I will buy one soon!

[Lady Hobbs]

Your tank is just lovely. Love it! The UGF with reverse flow air pump is what would work but not with plants. Plant roots clog the plates and can be a headache.

[plchacker]

Your tank is just lovely. Love it! The UGF with reverse flow air pump is what would work but not with plants. Plant roots clog the plates and can be a headache.


There are no plates. I built the system using 1/2" PVC. The pipe is punctured with dozens of 3/32" holes. The revers flow I mentioned would have needed major repiping. I did think of another solution. We'll know this comming weekend.

I want a low/med light, maybe with CO2 moderately planted tank. I'm at a good point, as I have only one fish at the moment. I am preping for discus.