Homemade Holding Tank Systems

Most fish keepers will, at some point, opt to set up at least one permanent holding tank for sick or quarantined fish; for those with larger breeding stocks, however, a homemade holding tank system can be an effective solution for maximizing space and providing adequate care for all the animals being kept. Most homemade holding tank systems can be made relatively easily and affordably.

  1. Containment

    • Choosing the containers that will make up the individual holding tanks is the first task and depends largely on the type of animals kept and whether the holding tank system will be used for breeders, grow-out tanks or something else entirely. Betta keepers, for instance, often use gallon-sized storage containers to keep the highly aggressive fish separated. With community fishes, your options are more open; standard glass aquariums make the best display set-up, but plastic storage containers are more economical for large breeding arrangements, as they are less costly and lighter in weight than the glass tanks. Choose sizes that will provide plenty of space for the fish that you keep, and consider a few additional holding tanks than you think are necessary for emergency holding and new additions.

    Setting Up

    • Heating and filtration are actually quite simple with a multi-tank set up, and a common method involves using a larger tank or sump positioned off to the side of the holding tanks to house a single heater and power filter for all of the tanks. The holding tanks themselves are connected via PVC piping or large silicone tubing, creating a constant flow and return of water throughout the tanks.

      Make sure any shelving you use is sturdy enough to support the weight of your holding tanks. Metal shop racks for garages are generally built well enough to hold an average set of holding tanks, but check the weight limits on any commercially bought shelving, and bear in mind that a gallon of water weights about 8 pounds. Building a set of shelves is another option and affords you with the chance to customize sizes and layouts to fit your needs.

      Arranging tanks in rows based on use is a typical strategy: The top row is for fry and young fish, the middle for breeders and temporary holding, and the bottom row for quarantines and sick fish. The quarantine row should be hooked into its own filtration and heating system to avoid contamination with the other tanks.