U-tube as Multi Tank Equalizer? (1 Viewer)

[fishboyt]

If I used a U-tube to join two tanks sitting side-by-side, would the tube allow water to flow freely between the two as well as equalize the water level in each tank? It seems like it would, but I want to be sure before I go planning anything.

 

[fishboyt]

Here's what I'm hoping for:

 

[Houston_Reefer]

I think you would have trouble starting and keeping any siphon. I would drill both tanks and put a pipe between them to allow them to equalize that way.

 

[Diesel]

+1 on H-Reefer.

 

[TiAg]

I'm not a hydro guy but I would think the "U tube" would have to be below the top of the water line to transfer water and keep it balanced.

 

[TexanReef]

As long as the tube is full of water and fully submerged on both sides, it shoud work.

I doubt you'd get much movement through based on powerhead flow from one tank to another but it would equalize the water level in the tanks.

It would also be very easy to test out before you resorted to drilling.

 

[reeftopia]

You will be courting disaster with that set up. Both tanks will have to be drilled with overflow boxes and not the hangon type. If one lost siphon all your water will end up on the floor. I have my tanks connected but they are different heights with a step down that allows me to us only gravity instead of a pump.

 

[fishboyt]

OK, I'll replan it. Thanks!

 

[TexanReef]

As long as the tube is full of water and fully submerged on both sides, it shoud work.

I doubt you'd get much movement through based on powerhead flow from one tank to another but it would equalize the water level in the tanks.

It would also be very easy to test out before you resorted to drilling.

OK, I just took a better look. I presumed you were only interested in equalizing but after David's comment, I went back and re-looked at the picture.

You would have to grossly oversize the tube to ensure enough flow between the two tanks and even then, I'm with everyone else -- rethink or drill. Failure to size the pipe enough, a blockage or loss of siphon would mean hours of entertainment for a masochist.

 

[reeftopia]

Good point on oversize holes All mine are drilled for 1 1/2 bulkheads any less is easily blocked. My first was for a 1 inch bulkhead only and that didnt work to well.

 

[fishboyt]

Any ideas of how to join them without there being an 8" gap between them? Maybe go around the back?

 

[tektite]

What's the 8" from?

 

[fishboyt]

The space the bulkheads take up, along with a connecting pipe.

 

[TexanReef]

Through the back or bottom, I'd think.

The back might be less prone to blockage.

 

[reeftopia]

There should be a step down from one tank to the other. if bulkhead just goes over the top of the second tank then the bulkhead in the second tank should return to the sump. Now second tank needs no pump just a powerhead for circulation, I currently run 4 tanks off 1 sump and 3 off another they are all tied in running off the same sump, but only 1 pump.

 

[tektite]

Use uniseals instead. They only project about 1/4" out of the tank, plus a union between the tanks it should only be 3-4" between them. Though if you have the space behind them that's a good idea too.

 

[fishboyt]

There should be a step down from one tank to the other. if bulkhead just goes over the top of the second tank then the bulkhead in the second tank should return to the sump. Now second tank needs no pump just a powerhead for circulation, I currently run 4 tanks off 1 sump and 3 off another they are all tied in running off the same sump, but only 1 pump.

I really don't want to do a step-down, though. I'll keep thinking about it and see what comes to mind.

 

[flexrac]

it's really not that hard to do, like already stated, drill both tanks with drains and returns, you can then join the drain from both with a larger pipe.
for instance, use two 1 inch drains, one from each and join them to a 1.5 to 2 inch pipe for your drain.
3/4 returns and put a tee on the return with gate valves to control the flow to each tank, to prevent any chance of overflowing i would keep the return low, 2-300gph max on each tank.
your return should have three outputs, for added safety, two to the tanks and one looped backed for added control.

i assume this is 2 small tanks, so a single overflow box like the glass holes kits provide would be good enough.

 

[fishboyt]

it's really not that hard to do, like already stated, drill both tanks with drains and returns, you can then join the drain from both with a larger pipe.
for instance, use two 1 inch drains, one from each and join them to a 1.5 to 2 inch pipe for your drain.
3/4 returns and put a tee on the return with gate valves to control the flow to each tank, to prevent any chance of overflowing i would keep the return low, 2-300gph max on each tank.
your return should have three outputs, for added safety, two to the tanks and one looped backed for added control.

i assume this is 2 small tanks, so a single overflow box like the glass holes kits provide would be good enough.

Thanks! I'll either do that, or do the step-down. I don't really think the step-down would look that bad anymore, and it would be easier to do.