surge tank

[Pescado guy]

Hey, could someone out there tell me what exactly a surge tank is? I have heard many people talking about them and I am not even sure what they are. Thanks!

Kevin

[jeno]

Try this
http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca....mple_surge.htm

[Reefmedic79]

Simply put they are a tank place above the display tank that fills slowly with tank water. Once it reaches a disired level it one way or another purges its volume back into the displaycausing a sudden surge of turbelance. It causes the look of a reef found near the breakwaters.

[jungledriver]

Surge tanks are amazing, I highly recommend them. There is one particular design called a "Carlson Surge" named after it's creater. Just get an acrylic tank of oppropriate size (10 to 100 gallons depending on the size of your display tank and drill a hole in the bottom for a 1.5 to 2" bulkhead in the bottom near one end and plumb the surge loop with appropriate size p.v.c.. Place it above your tank and let'er rip. Be sure to drill a small hole in the loop to break the siphon. I don't know much about computers so I can't post a drawing but send me a email at " aquariumdesigns@yahoo.com " and I will fax you a drawing. This is a "flapperless" system that is pretty much fool proof. Just be sure the overflow in your display tank can handle the volume of surging water or you will flood your house.

[Pescado guy]

Yeah that's basically what I thought a surge tank was but I just wasn't sure. If anyone has pictures of one that they have that would be quite helpful. Thanks

[mmcaleer]

I just witnessed this system in action at Tropical Paradise outside of Oakland, CA. They have them on every tank and some tanks have four surge tanks connected. It is fantastic! It looks like the real ocean as these things purge. Very simple design. I am putting one on my system ASAP.

Mike

[xrunner1234]

Sorry to jump in.. Do these surge devices pump micro bubbles into the tank?

[mmcaleer]

Yes, at the begining of each surge.