Filtration for new tank

Hello all

My Good LFS owner has told me he has a just over 4ft tank I might be interested in... he knows my betta addiction because this tank is conveniently divided into 8 compartments (4 gals each according to measurements), but with glass. Soooo, for heating i'm planning on using heatmats (i'm assuming this is safe with glass?), but my main concern is filtration. Could do the filter + spray bar, but for the filter to be strong enough for the whole volume of water, the filter would swamp one of the compartments!
Pus I'd have to make holes in the glass which clearly is a BAD idea.

What I'm thinking is using air pumps to run home-made sponge filters. I'd prefer to use as few air pumps as possible given that i'm running out of sockets, so what are the things called that allow me to split the airline??? LOL that's prob a dumb question but thats me [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] .

Anyone have any pics of something similar? Or is this not going to work?

Hi
Yeh, having glass dividers has its pro's and con's. Its good because of the reduced chance of cross contamination, but obviosly throws up other problems.

I think a heatmat should work if it was covering the whole length of the tank and place underneath the tank. You would need a thermostat to regulate the heat though. I would place a layer of polystyrene on the stand, then the heatmat, then the tank. Obviously the tank would need to be flat bottomed rather than suspended. I was thinking you could use a heat cable, but have read not to submerge them in water:(

I think sponge filters would be the way here. There are some things to bear in mind though. The difficulties i have found are making the flow even for a number of different outlets. You can get back flow if not regulated well. One way that could work is to get a big powerful pump, and have one-way valves attached before every sponge filter. This is going to be fiddly to set-up though, and require a powerful pump. Maybe 2 pumps operating 4 filters each would be easier to control. The things you are thinking of are air line splitters

Thanks for reply

Tank is clearseal I think so flat-bottomed. The other thing I was thinking is if I had a heater in every other compartment, would the ones inbetween these maintain heat from being next to heated water? Not sure about that, just thought i'd ask and see.

Yeah I was looking at biggish air pumps on ebay... what sort of size do you think I should go for? Also, where can I buy those one-way valves from?

Hmm this should be an interesting DIY project for myself now that i'm not working! Keep me outta mischief for sure

Like this maybe? [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Yeh, thats ideal You would still need oneway valves between that valve and each sponge filter.

It's all much cheaper than I thought it'd be, so that's a nice surprise. The non-return valves are just under £4 for 5 with free P&P, thought that was pretty good. Each air pump comes with line and a non-return valve too, so i'll just need another one, and maybe another for spare.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, I wish I had the tank now, have to wait for him to come back from hols *waits impatiently*

Do you think an output of 192LPH for 4 compartments is ok? Don't want it to be too strong for the little guys.

Its better to have the pump too strong than not strong enough. The valve taps will take care of the flow

I found this on ebay - Click here - Only problem is, that its from Hong Kong and i dont know how good they are.

This one is from the UK - Click here

Get more non-return valves than you need as they are notorious for not working:)

That UK one - would I be able to just use one, or would I still need the 2 pumps? Only ask cos I see it has 8 outlets, which is handy...

I would assume just the one It also has an adjustable flow. I've never use one like that but in theory it should be fine. Using the tap valves you'll be able to close them down individually too.

I actually have that pump, got it for £20 off ebay last year and it's been great. I run 5 sponge filters on mine, my husband disconnected the other outlets. With the adjustable flow on it you can have it just how your bettas like it. I have mine on the minimum setting and it's fine.

Oooh thanks Crystal [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] that's really good to know.

Perfect! Things are fitting in place very well, i'm getting excited