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Daisy chaining tanks
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=12498		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  DunderOZ [ Apr 25th, '12, 14:32 ]
Post subject:  Daisy chaining tanks
Hi all :wave1:

I have noticed, over the time I have browsed the forum, that most people connect tanks by side entry holes.

I would like to suggest a different way.

Tanks can be connected cheaply and quickly, by connecting a hose/pipe, from one to the other and removing the air from the pipe. Any size pipe will work. If a large pipe is used, say 90 or 100 mm, an easy way to remove the air is by placing a bleed nipple at the top upper surface of the pipe.

For those who don't know what I am talking about, try doing this - Get a hose, place one end in a bucket and the other end, in another bucket. Fill one bucket and bleed all the air out of the hose. The water level in both buckets will equalize, even when only one bucket is filled.
You could try the same thing with 3 pieces of pipe and 2 right angle elbows.

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Why would you want to do this?

There is no likelihood of leaks from a side entry hole's seal. It is also cheaper, as there is no need for expensive connectors/seals. It also gives allowance for one tank to move away from the other, without the seal breaking. The connecting pipes/hoses can also be easily removed, to be cleaned. :D

I have connected my FTs using a similar method, and it works well. A similar method could be used with growbeds.
Author:  orcy2010 [ Apr 25th, '12, 14:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
water bridges like that work nicely, as long as you can get the air out completely, and as long as you never have any problems that introduce air into the loop.
Author:  Lyndon346 [ Apr 25th, '12, 15:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
I'm sold!!!!
Can you elaborate on the bleeding of air a little more, not as thin as I used to be.
Author:  DunderOZ [ Apr 25th, '12, 16:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
orcy2010 wrote:
water bridges like that work nicely, as long as you can get the air out completely, and as long as you never have any problems that introduce air into the loop.

I agree.

To stop air going into the discharge end, in my FT, I have fitted two right angle bends and a short piece of pipe. This makes an upturned U, so no air can get in.
The input also has the same configuration. As air only goes up, in water, no air can get in. All above water joints are sealed with silastic. :thumbright:

Lyndon346 wrote:
I'm sold!!!!
Can you elaborate on the bleeding of air a little more, not as thin as I used to be.


The photo shows the connection between my FT's. You can notice a black plastic connector at the very top, that's the bleed nipple.

To bleed the pipe, a cap is placed on one end, the nipple cover is removed, and a water hose is placed at the other end and turned on. The water fills the pipe. When water comes out of the nipple, the system is bled, and the nipple cover is fitted and sealed. :thumbright:

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Author:  Charlie [ Apr 25th, '12, 17:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
Aah the ol bridging pipe. Good resurection dunder :thumbright:
Author:  Wildfire [ Apr 25th, '12, 17:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
I've done something that suits the title :) I have 2 ibcs, but daisy chained by cascading in to the other, one ibc tank is proped up on cement blocks, works a treat
Author:  Lyndon346 [ Apr 26th, '12, 06:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
Thanks DunderOZ, I have 4 sumps to connect togerther, this will make it much easier and inexpensive.
Author:  DunderOZ [ Apr 26th, '12, 07:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
Lyndon346 wrote:
Thanks DunderOZ, I have 4 sumps to connect together, this will make it much easier and inexpensive.

The main reason for me posting this bridging pipe concept - One of the systems I recently saw on the forum, the owner went to the trouble of connecting two glass aquariums, via side entry. I thought it was very expensive way of doing things.
Author:  chainsaw [ Apr 26th, '12, 07:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
Agree water bridge works well.........until. I had one on my large tank and eventually changed it, like murphys law they have a knack of failing at most unlikely time.

On another system I have 3 IBC's interconnected by 32mm (1 1/4") through the side 200mm down from top and about 300mm down from the bend I have a air bleed (large hole or sawn slot across pipe) the pipe continues to base of tank (solids pickup). On the outlet side of the syphon can have outlet at top of water or U tube (does give better airation) It is on timed flood and drain using sump pump with float (15 on 45 off). Tank 1 fills until over top of 1st 90deg and then water starts to drain into tank 2. When the water outlet is covered (by water level) the drain turns into a syphon and drains at a fast rate until the water level in No1 tank uncovers the air bleed and breaks the syphon.

The same applys to No2 tank draining to the 3rd which is the sump. Water is moving even when pump is turned off.

Thought I had some photo's but can't find them, hope the explanation is sufficient for you to understand how it works.
Author:  earthbound [ Apr 26th, '12, 11:12 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
Yes a few people have used water bridges in their systems.. I like this one.

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Author:  chainsaw [ Apr 26th, '12, 11:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
WOW......and the fish swim between tanks????????
Author:  DunderOZ [ Apr 26th, '12, 14:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
Thanks Joel. Great photo.
Great to see atmospheric pressure at work, in such a cool way :lol:

chainsaw wrote:
WOW......and the fish swim between tanks????????

Looks like they do swim between tanks.... Which is why I have a filter on the inlet.
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Author:  BullwinkleII [ Apr 26th, '12, 14:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
I was thinking about running 8 inch pipe from an outside IBC into an aquarium inside so I could put my demand feeder on my desk and fish would have to drop in for a visit if they wanted to eat, but thought it wouldn't work.

After seeing that wacky aquarium, I might give it a go after all.

I wonder how they keep in clean.
Author:  DunderOZ [ Apr 26th, '12, 15:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
BullwinkleII wrote:
I was thinking about running 8 inch pipe from an outside IBC into an aquarium inside so I could put my demand feeder on my desk and fish would have to drop in for a visit if they wanted to eat, but thought it wouldn't work.

What about getting them to swim straight to the BBQ :lol:
Author:  Dan` [ Apr 26th, '12, 16:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Daisy chaining tanks
these have been used in aquariums on and off. sooner or later they fill with air and fail, so only the brave tend to use them. the best design ive seen uses a small powerhead with an aerator attachment on the outlet, connect the hose that usually just sucks in air from the atmosphere to the top of your U to suck out any air that gets in there. the powerhead can also restart the U when its full of air.

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through tanks may be a little harder, a little more expensive, but a ton safer. thats why people tend towards them rather than relying on a syphon that will only work if airs not in there.

as was said earlier, adding some clear tube at the top of your U will at least enable you to see whats going on inside and how fast it fills up with air.
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