6 Lights Running From 1 Starter?

[Cooper2085]

Ok im in the process of setting up a small breeding corner for Corys. The stand im having made is basically a 4ft x 3ft L shape, 3 tiers.

Theres going to be something like this:

1 x 3ft Tank
1 x 2ft Tank
5 x 1ft Tank
2 x 1.5ft Tanks


Bottom Tier will hold 2 1.5ft Tanks on the 4ft side as grow out for young fish (After about 6 weeks). Middle shelf on the 4ft side will hold 3 x 1ft tanks, top shelf will hold 1 x 3ft tank. Im leaving 1ft spare as the "corner" of the stand where i can put all the bits like airpumps and external filter.

Now, the problem im going to have is Power. Its not going to be cheap but i just dont think i have enough sockets 9 heaters and 9 lights. Is there a way to get things that are wired into 1 unit? Is this possible? Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance Stand is going to be made next week so if you see anything you would change let me know

 

[Rooster]

Whats wrong with extension leads ? you know, four sockets - bit of wire and a plug !

Also, I would use single lamps across the two/three tanks. So you would only need 3 lamps and gear.
Another option is to use multi tube ballasts...

As for heating, you could systemise the lot and use maybe a sump, with one heater and one filter.... or just bung single heaters in each tank - again all plugged into an extension... as long as you buy a good quality extension lead, you will be fine.

 

[Cooper2085]

Yep thats what i feared >.>

Cant use a sump, fry would get sucked around too much. Might try and find a way to heat the fry tanks together though >.>

 

[Rooster]

Yep thats what i feared >.>

Cant use a sump, fry would get sucked around too much. Might try and find a way to heat the fry tanks together though >.>

Do you already have these tanks ? If not, then get a large tank and use dividers.

Or, how about a heating mat under the tanks ? (you could use a 'stat in the smallest tank... I doubt the temp would be far off in the others)

 

[Cooper2085]

I like the sound of a heating mat, i dont have the tanks yet, getting them next week (Money permitting). Where can i find a heating mat?

 

[Rooster]

Mats are sold for use with reptiles... depending on your room temp, they may not be "man enough" as they are quite low wattage.
If its a breeding project, and doesnt need to look pretty... cover the tanks with polystyrene tiles on as much surfaces as possible - I have a 2 foot tank plastered like this in a spare room, and the room is freezing cold - but the heater is on less often than my show tank in the living room !
Given that you are buying tanks, I would recommend you buy longer tanks and use dividers - this way you only need one heater and one filter "per layer" on your stand.

Good luck...

 

[Cooper2085]

Ok thanks for all the advice. What are the best types of dividers to use?