I have visited many boards and sites and feel that I am ready to build my Viv. I have a 65 gal tank and will use a false bottom construction. I am considering using a submersible pump for my waterfall/stream. My question is one brand better than the other? What is the life of these pumps? I have considered to make a easy access hatch, either through the top of the waterfall or in a corner. However I want to make the disruption to the Viv a minimum. I have read that the pumps sometimes clog, so cleaning is an issue. Any input is most appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
I would go for a lot of circulation through the tank. I have had one of my pumps running for about 5 yrs now and is doing fine. I couldnt even tell you the brand name. Just consider the flow before you buy it. I keep mine in a plastic bowl under the rocks that has a top and lots of little holes. You have to make sure that there are more then enough to keep up with the flow rate. I have never had much of a problem with it clogging.
Mike
Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I intend to use eggcrate instead of rocks for the false bottom. I was intending to only use about an inch of water in the bottom. Which calculates out to about 2.5 gallons of water. The pump I am looking at varies from 15 gal/hour to just over 100 gal/hour. I was thinking about 30 gal/hour would be sufficient. That would turn over my water around once every 5 minutes. Is that good enough flow?
Dan
Dan that should be enough flow. If you can get the water to circulate better by allowing it to flow away from the pump before falling back into the pool of water underneth the eggcrate then that might allow the water to move better. Do you plan on having in live plants in the tank?
Mike
I plan to have the waterfall in the back left corner, and a stream leading to the pool which will be located in the front right corner. So effectively the water will flow from one side to the other. I do plan to use live plants. Why do you ask?
Dan
Live plants will love the water once they get their roots down into it. It will bring the nutrients to them and keep your tank healthy.
