Best filter for a 10g fry grow out tank?

saganco

Which brand/model of air pump do you guys recommend? If I get the kind that can power two tanks, I can use it when I have to set up the qt/hosp tank. I just have zero experience with air pumps, so I don't know which one to purchase.

Also, what kind of air stone (is this the right term?) would I need for the nursery/maternity ward/fry tank with plants? Is a bubble curtain the way to go or some itty bitty little "stone"?

I have decided on the hydr-sponge, but would like the stackable kind - however it looks like the stackable version is only available for the bigger ones. True, or am I visiting the wrong websites??

Lupin

I'm not sure if I've seen airpumps that can accomodate two tanks except using valves to separate the tubing into two. Hey, wait. That one will give you the idea.
If only I had a picture.
Doesn't matter. You can choose whatever suits your choice.:)

fish_4_all

I have 2 pumps with 2 outlets on each to run 2 different tanks. Either that or a descent one, not the smallest but don't need the largest, and a splitter to regulate how much air goes where. Run it how you like but remember the more air you have the more you have to fight with getting food to the fish unless you turn it off.

Lupin

Ok, here's my tip for you if you want one airpump running on two tanks.
Buy a connector which has 3 entry points. You'll need 3 tubings which you insert one on the airpump and then the other end of it on the connector. As for the other two tubings, insert them on opposite sides of the connector and insert their other ends with airstones.

Here's the diagram:

Legend:
Letter "T"-connector.
Two small boxes-air stones
Lines-tubing or hose

Here's the selection of connectors:

Select the bottom one which is letter "T" in shape.

HTH
Blue

fish_4_all

Gang Valves
Here is what I was refering to. Blue's idea will work but won't let you control the airflow. But there again, if you want full flow, I don't think it will matter because a descent pump will blast 2 bubble wands in two different tanks with or without a Gange Valve

Oceane

Blue's idea makes sense. I have a biological sponge filter in a tank and an air stone in another which are powered by a single pump. I just use his system of tubing and valves, but i also have a small tap like valve that regulates the flow of air on each tube.
By the way i love your avatar and signature it reminds me of two siamese cats i used to own.

saganco

Oceane - Just when I thought I fully understood how a sponge filter worked I get your post. I thought if I used a sponge filter, I needed some type of bubble curtain or air stone in the tank WITH it... But your post makes me wonder. Could you please unconfuse me as to why you have a filter in one tank and the air stone in the other?

Thanks for the compliment on my avatar, my pretty little baby girl (little girl? she's 12 pounds and 14 years old!).

Lupin

It seems in my analysis that Oceane was referring to the tubing, not tank. As for the other part, if you use what I made in the diagram, the airstones can be replaced with the hydro sponges. Sponges will still allow double function: filtration and aeration.

saganco

Cool Blue! So if I understand correctly, if I have two sponges, I do NOT need an air stone/bubble curtain. Are the "T" connectors readily available at most pet stores - or are they more of a specialty item? Thanks!

Oceane

Hi sorry for the late answer, i lost track of this post somehow. I have an air stone in a tank purely for decoration, and i use the sponge filter in another tank which i use as maternity. My sponge filter is a BOYU SF02 and the airstone is incorporated in a kind of plastic tube that supports the sponge.Ts and taps are fairly easy to get here, mine are unipet and were quite cheap. Greetings to your kitty does she really watch your fish?